After cutting his list of college suitors down to four (Michigan State, Purdue, Seton Hall and DePaul), Nojel Eastern, a 6-4 guard out of Evanston, IL, opted to further pursue his academic and athletic career in West Lafayette, IN. He becomes the fourth commitment for Purdue in the Class of 2017.
More from the Chicago Tribune:
On the last day of the November early signing period, Evanston senior guard Nojel Eastern committed to Purdue on Wednesday during a brief ceremony at Evanston Township High School.
The 6-foot-6 Eastern was considering DePaul, Michigan State, Seton Hall, Purdue and Ohio State. He made official visits to all five schools. Eastern, a four-star recruit, had over 15 offers, and was one of the 18 finalists for the 2016 USA Basketball Men’s U17 World Championship Team.
After becoming a national recruit early in his career, Eastern fractured two bones in his left ankle during an AAU game in the spring of his sophomore year. He overcame his injury to average 14.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 2.0 steals per game last season.
Eastern scored 25 points, grabbed nine rebounds and recorded seven assists in a 53-39 win at New Trier on Feb. 5 to help the Wildkits clinch the Central Suburban South championship.
A solid ballhandler with quick feet and long arms, Eastern is capable of playing multiple positions in college.
