SIU Men’s Basketball coach Barry Hinson officially announced the signing of his fourth recruit, forward Bola Olaniyan, Wednesday.

The 6-foot-8 Olaniyan comes from Richmond High School in Richmond, Ind., where he averaged 14.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per game last year. Olaniyan, 19, came to the United States two years ago from Nigeria.

He was a late academic qualifier because he still had classes he needed to take at Richmond, so he wasn’t able to commit to a program until this summer. He will be a freshman with four years of eligibility.

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Hinson said in a press release that Olaniyan started to play basketball when he was 15-years-old and has the opportunity to be a special player for SIU.

“To see what he’s accomplished in such a short timeframe is remarkable,” Hinson said. “He’s filled with untapped potential.”

Hinson has one scholarship available for next season, and he could still use that for recruit Chase Heins, who was officially signed July 25. Media Services Director Tom Weber said Hinson hasn’t decided if Heins will be on scholarship or a walk-on.