Head coach Rick Stansbury has announced his third signing of the 2019 class in 6-foot-10-inch center Nick Ongenda. 

“Nick brings great potential with his ability to run and block shots,” Stansbury said in a press release. “His defense is ahead of his offense, but no question he has a tremendous upside as he continues to get stronger. He’s one of those players that it’s not what he is now, but what he can become that excites you. We’re happy to have him as part of our program.”

Ongenda originally was a member of the 2020 class, but has elected to reclassify up to the 2019 class. Ongenda plays his high school basketball at Southwest Christian Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The native South African is averaging 14 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks per game this high school season.

247Sports ranked Ongenda as the 14th-best center in the 2020 class and a four-star prospect. ESPN has him at 59th in its 2020 player rankings.

Ongenda becomes the third member to sign and join the Hilltoppers’ 2019 recruiting class. Isaiah Cozart and Jackson Harlan, both Kentucky natives, signed their letters of intent Wednesday.

Reporter Alec Jessie can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected]. Follow Alec on Twitter at @Alec_Jessie.