McLaughlin Annouces Incoming Recruiting Class

HANOVER, N.H. — Dartmouth head coach of men's basketball David McLaughlin today announced the five recruits that will be arriving on campus this fall as members of the Class of 2023 — Demilade Adelekun, Jackson Blaufeld, Paul Hudson, Cam Krystkowiak and Nathaniel Ogbu.

"We are very excited about our incoming group!" McLaughlin said. "They are young men that all love the game, want to get better at their craft daily, are willing to consistently compete and committed to owning the process. They will add depth, length and athleticism to our experienced core. It will be exciting to watch their collective competitive nature as they transition to the college game."

A 6-8, 230-pound power forward from Gastonia, North Carolina, Adelekun (pronounced ah-DEL-ah-Kun) played at Highland Tech as a high school freshman before attending Gaston Day School for the last three. He helped the Spartans advance to the state playoffs all three years, earning all-conference each season along the way, including all-state honors while averaging 20.0 points, 13.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks as a senior. Adelekun finished his Gaston career with 1,650 points to his credit.

"Demi is coming off a very solid senior campaign and brings a strong work ethic with him to Hanover," McLaughlin said. "He has a chance to bolster our performance on the glass as well as give us some rim protection. As he continues to get stronger, his effect on the game will continue to grow."

Blaufeld is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he helped Taylor Allderdice win four straight City League Championships with an overall record of 92-22. As a senior, the 6-4, 200-pound guard averaged 19.4 points., 5.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists while earning third-team all-state and City League MVP honors, not to mention a spot on the All-City First Team for a second straight year. The 2017 World Maccabiah Games MVP for the gold-medal-winning 18U USA team, Blaufeld finished his prep career with 1,148 points and 209 3-pointers.

"Jackson is a high-level shooter who delivers a ton of passion and energy everywhere he goes," noted McLaughlin. "He has a good feel for playing in two- and three-man actions, which is integral to how we want to play. His competitive nature will certainly be felt during workouts and practice."

Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Hudson played two seasons at South Mecklenburg before attending Charlotte Christian. As a junior, the 6-5, 225-pound forward nearly averaged a double-double (10.2 ppg, 9.2 rpg) to help the Knights earn a share of the CISAA regular-season championship with a 23-9 record and advance to the N.C. Independent Schools' 3A state quarterfinals. Hudson boosted his totals to 12 points, 11 boards and five blocks a game as a senior, earning a spot on the NCISSA 4A All-State team while being named Player of the Year.

"Paul brings a level of athleticism and blossoming potential that will add some depth to our wing forwards," McLaughlin stated. "As he puts the work in, Paul has a chance to be a high-level defender, and he also possesses the ability to impact the game at both ends with his length and feel for the game."

Son of a nine-year, NBA veteran, Krystkowiak will bring some added length to the Big Green roster with his 6-9, 210-pound frame. A post-grad product of Northfield Mount Hermon (the ninth Big Green player from the school in the last dozen years), he helped the Hoggers to a 32-6 record and a NEPSAC AAA title by offering 8.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Prior to enrolling at NMH, Krystkowiak was a 5A All-State Second Team selection at Brighton High School in Utah, averaging 18.1 points and 7.0 boards a game.

"Cam adds a high level of feel, skill, and terrific size to our front court," McLaughlin said. "He has the ability to stretch the defense, and his acumen allows for him to make plays off the bounce. As he continues to get stronger and in elite shape, it will be fun to see his impact on the game."

Ogbu, a 6-7, 210-pound small forward from Stone Mountain, Georgia, earned second-team All-Region 4 honors at the Class 6A level as a junior at Tucker High School, then garnered first-team honors last year. During his senior campaign, Tucker advanced to the state title game as he averaged 11.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. Those numbers allowed him to earn a spot on the Georgia Coaches Athletic Association 6A South Boys All-State team.

"Nate brings a blue-collar approach that will allow for him to compete right away," commented McLaughlin. "He combines a strong work ethic with length and athleticism. Nate's inherent drive will allow him to improve each time he steps on the court."

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