PORTLAND, Ore. – University of Portland has signed Theo Akwuba (Montgomery, Ala./Brewbaker Technology Magnet HS) to a National Letter of Intent on Monday, head coach Terry Porter announced. Akwuba (6-10, 210) averaged a triple double last season, including 10.4 blocked shots per game.  

"We are really excited to welcome Theo to the Pilot family," Porter said. "Theo finished as one of the top shot blockers in the nation last year. He has size, versatility and good length. Theo is a young man that fits the pillars of our program. Improving as a basketball player is important to him, as is getting a great education. Theo is an example of a student-athlete that represents what we want at Portland. He strives to meet the high standards expected of our student-athletes both in competition and in the classroom."

Akwuba averaged 11.7 points, 14.1 rebounds and 10.4 blocked shots per game as a senior for Brew Tech and garnered Alabama 5A First Team All-State honors by the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA). Akwuba shot 57 percent from the field and collected 1.1 steals per game this season.

Possessing a 7-foot, 4-inch wingspan, Akwuba led the state of Alabama in blocked shots in both his junior and senior seasons. He recorded a career-high 22 blocks in a single game at Robert Lee High School and had 18 blocks at versus Lanier High School.

Akwuba is a late bloomer and played just two years of varsity high school basketball and a limited amount on the AAU circuit. 

Academics were a priority for Akwuba when choosing a school and he plans to enroll in Portland's esteemed engineering program.

"I am very excited for Theo and the great opportunity he is getting from the University of Portland to further his career in basketball," Brewbaker Tech head coach Chauncey Shines said. "As a high school coach for more than 25 years I know that players that can do the things that Theo does on the basketball court only come once in a career. It has been truly a blessing to have had the opportunity to coach a young man who is a true student-athlete and an absolute pleasure to be around. I know that Theo will do great things at Portland and I am truly happy for him." 

Akwuba joins junior college big man Jacob Tryon as Portland's signees this spring. They join previously signed post player Josh Phillips as members of Portland's 2018 recruiting class. The Pilots will also add to the mix 2017-18 returning redshirts Crisshawn Clark, Takiula Fahrensohn, Hugh Hogland and Xavier Hallinan next season.