CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel head basketball coach Duggar Baucom announced the additions of Ezekiel ‘EZ’ Balogun and Kabir ‘Mo’ Mohammed on Thursday. The pair signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Bulldogs in 2016-17.
“We are very excited to have EZ and Mo join our Citadel Basketball family,” Coach Baucom said. “They will make our team more athletic immediately and both have the personality and character to flourish in our structured military-academic environment. I commend my staff on their hard work in bringing in two excellent players as well as quality individuals.”
Both Balogun and Mohammed are Nigerian natives who came to the United States to pursue their dreams academically and athletically. The duo will provide frontcourt depth to Coach Baucom’s squad after the departure of senior Quinton Marshall at the end of the 2015-16 season.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Balogun is a 6-foot-6 small forward who plays high school basketball for Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hamilton Heights, coached by Zach Ferrell, posted a 28-5 overall record despite facing some of the best programs in the nation in 2014-15. During Balogun’s three seasons, Hamilton Heights is 81-26 overall.
Balogun is a versatile, physical forward with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, 36-inch vertical and the ability to attack both inside and outside. He started all 33 games for Hamilton Heights as a junior, averaging a team-high 11.7 points per game while shooting 48.1 percent from floor and grabbing 4.8 rebounds per game.
“EZ is an extremely athletic wing that can play a variety of positions and can defend any position on the court.” Coach Baucom said. “He can shoot three-pointers, but also finish and make plays above the rim.”
Mohammed was born in Kaduna, Nigeria. The 6-foot-5 forward plays for head coach Trevor Brown at National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Maryland. Mohammed led National Christian Academy to 18 wins as a sophomore and 26 wins as a junior, averaging 14 points and 11 rebounds last season.
With Mohammed leading the charge, National Christian Academy finished with an unblemished conference record in the Capital Beltway League. Mohammed’s play earned him All-Defensive Team honors. During his junior campaign, he also helped National Christian Academy secure a championship at the Bull City Classic, a tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, that hosts some of the nation’s best prep schools. Mohammed was named tournament MVP following a title-clinching performance.
“Mo can play inside and out and has a terrific motor,” Coach Baucom said. “He is an excellent rebounder and finisher and runs the floor like a deer.”
Balogun and Mohammed will look to make an impact on Coach Baucom’s second team at The Citadel in 2016-17. Both will serve as important pieces as the Bulldogs’ coaching staff continues to establish a culture defined by discipline and hard work.