Hoop Dawgs add a pair to close the early signing period

With the basketball early signing period coming to a close, Georgia announced the imminent arrival of a pair of well regarded in state prospects. JoJo Toppin, a wing out of Norcross in Atlanta, and Amanze Ngumezi, a big man from Johnson High in Savannah, both inked their letters of intent with Mark Fox and friends over the past week. The Dawgs will have at least one more spot to fill in the spring, with a handful of options out there including Macon’s Khavon Moore.

Georgia is also in the final three for G Will Richardson, from Midway, GA prior to spending this season at Oak Hill Academy. Richardson was expected to sign in the spring, but changed his mind to sign this past week. He is expected to announce which of Georgia, Gonzaga, or Oregon he picked later today (with Oregon the perceived favorite).

Of the two known to be headed to Athens for the 2018/19 school year, both were among the top 10 in state prospects this year. Ngumezi was rated in the top 100 in the nation by some, and is an extremely athletic 6’9, 230+ pounds. He chose the Dawgs over offers from Clemson, Tennessee, Wichita St, and others, and will be expected to help interior depth once Yante Maten graduates.

Toppin will help fill the wing spot left vacant when Juwan Parker graduates. The 6’6 SF helped current Dawg Rayshaun Hammonds and the Blue Devils make the Class AAAAAAA state title game last year. A nifty dribbler with great length and ability to finish around the rim, he’ll add much needed depth next year if not demand a larger role if his shooting can improve.

As said above, coach Mark Fox has at least one more opening, provided Richardson isn’t filling it, and likely targets a PG or SG to add further depth along with Toppin. The Dawgs host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Sunday at 1 before heading off to the Wooden Classic, starting with Cal St-Fullerton on Thanksgiving at 10:30 p.m.