Vols’ Martin fills first signing class

KNOXVILLE — The last bit of ink on Cuonzo Martin’s first signing class is now dry.

Tennessee’s new basketball coach officially got a letter of intent from 6-foot-9, 245-pound Yemi Makanjuola, the fifth and likely final member of the Volunteers 2011 class. The Raleigh (N.C.) Word of God Christian Academy center committed to UT on May 10, but the Vols had to wait until the paperwork was completed by his parents in Nigeria.

“I liked all the coaches, and they made me feel like that was the place I wanted to be,” Makanjuola said in a UT release. “It seemed like a great place to get a good education, and I really want to get my degree. It’s important to me. Knoxville felt like a real family atmosphere. When I was there I felt really welcomed everywhere I went. I like playing with people who are competitors and love winning, and that’s a big part of why I chose Tennessee.”

Makanjuola, who joins point guard Wes Washpun, wings Josh Richardson and Quinton Cheivous and junior college post Dwight Miller in UT’s 2011 class, averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks per game this season.

“He has a really good frame, and he’s only going to get bigger and stronger,” Martin said. “I really like how hard he competes. He’s plays a physical brand of basketball, he runs the floor well and he’s a good shot blocker. He continues to improve offensively. I think he’s capable of big things, and I’m excited about having him join our program.”