Cimarron guard Kevin Olekaibe to sign with Fresno State

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 | 8:46 p.m.

Cimarron-Memorial High point guard Kevin Olekaibe was the state's leading scorer this winter at 35.6 points per game.

He also averaged 4.8 assists per contest — a statistic he feels could nearly double at the next level.

Olekaibe plans to sign with Fresno State on Friday, accepting the Bulldogs' scholarship over offers from Boise State and UTEP. He said the chance to play immediately at Fresno State was the most appealing.

And, when he gets on the court, he plans on showing an aspect of his game that was often overlooked at Cimarron — passing and organizing a team.

He often attempted 20-plus shots per game for the Spartans, including Dec. 22 when he heaved up 39 attempts against Arbor View.

Look for more of a balance at the next level.

"I can average eight assists a game," Olekaibe said.

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Olekaibe will need to add some bulk to his frame to handle the rigors of Division I basketball. But he has proven at Cimarron to be offensively talented.

"He earned his points. He scored every which way," Cimarron coach Steve Boyack said.

Olekaibe also received interest late from the likes of Florida and Connecticut, but he said neither offered him a scholarship. Plus, he liked everything about Fresno State.

The spring signing period starts Wednesday, and Olekaibe said he is 99.9 percent committed to the Bulldogs.

"I like their coaches, players, weight room and facility. Just everything," Olekaibe said.