In a four-part series, GoYotes.com is taking a look at the four incoming players for the defending Summit League Champion South Dakota men's basketball team. The Coyotes welcome four fresh faces to Vermillion for 2017-18 with three freshmen and a graduate transfer. After visiting with Walter Prevost earlier this week, we take a look at Stanley Umude, a freshman from San Antonio, Texas.
 
Umude, who had never been to South Dakota prior to his recruiting visit, was paired with an old friend on the trip. Brandon Armstrong served as Umude's host during his visit which brought the two together after playing on the Next Level Raiders, an AAU team based in San Antonio. During the summer of 2015 Umude played up a level where he was teammates with Armstrong his senior year.
 
The two are teammates again as Umude said that played a role in his commitment.
 
"When he was my mentor during my visit, he talked about how great the campus is," Umude said. "I trusted him and it is looking good so far."
 
When stepping onto South Dakota's campus, Umude was impressed with the facilities.
 
"The campus was really nice and the new arena blew me away," Umude added. "I didn't know much about South Dakota, but there is a lot more to do than I expected.
 
"I really liked the coaching staff, the new arena and the program is on the rise, it is a great place to be."
 
Through a couple weeks of summer workouts, Umude commented on the transition from the high school game to the college game.
 
"It is a big transition, everyone is bigger and faster," Umude said. "The workouts are tough, and I was really sore after the first two weeks but I'm up to speed now.
 
"The communication in practice is different than I was used to. We are talking at all times, about positioning and court vision. We are constantly communicating with one another."
 
Umude is a 6-5 guard who attended Warren High School where he averaged 23.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 2.1 assists per game. He earned 28-6A All-District honors both as a sophomore and senior. He missed time his junior year due to injury.
 
When asked what South Dakota fans should know about him, Umude answered "I am a hard worker no matter what. I am going to have the same work ethic no matter the situation."
 
Umude will carry the work ethic to the classroom as he majors in computer science.
 
Look for part three of our newcomer introduction series on Tuesday featuring Josh Williams.
 
Part One – Walter Prevost