Chadrack Lufile Inks With Wichita State

April 26, 2012

Chadrack Lufile, pictured with Coffeyville Head Basketball Coach Jay Herkelman, signed with Wichita State University on Wednesday.

Chadrack Lufile signed with the Wichita State Shockers Wednesday during a signing ceremony held in Nellis Hall. Lufile is coming off a stand-out season for Coffeyville. In 32 games this past season, Lufile averaged 11.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Lufile was also named second team All-Conference and second team All-Region this past year.

Lufile, who redshirted a season each at Chipola (Fla.) Junior College and Vincennes (Ind.) Junior College, will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Shockers. Lufile is a native of Burlington, Ontario.

"From when he got here to what he is now, he's made big strides," said Coffeyville Head Basketball Coach Jay Herkelman. "He's got good low-post moves, a capable jump shooter from 15-17 feet, and can drive well for a big man - his improvement was every day."

"Over the next two years, he could be an impact guy in the Missouri Valley," added Herkelman.

Lufile will have the opportunity to be an impact player right away. Lufile adds needed depth in the post for the Shockers. WSU is seeking a waiver from the NCAA to get Carl Hall, the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year, a sixth year of eligibility. If Hall returns, Lufile and junior center Ehimen Orukpe will give the Shockers options in the lane. The Shockers will also need to replace 7-0 center Garrett Stutz who will graduate.

"Wichita State has a lot of minutes to fill next year," said Herkelman. "so Chadrack has a chance to play right away and play a lot of minutes for them."

"I want to be a presence inside," said Lufile. "I'm trying to be the toughest guy on the floor, bring enthusiasm and energy to the court, and be a leader for the team."

Lufile, a native of Ontario, joins fellow Canadian Nick Wiggins, a 6-6 guard, in next year's recruiting class for Wichita State. Wiggins will be transferring in from Wabash Valley (Ill.) College.

Lufile will also get a chance to compete with fellow graduating Raven Dawon Cummings. Cummings signed with Indiana State University earlier in the week.

"I'm going to set a hard screen on him," said Lufile. "We're buddies and all, but you've got to do what you've got to do," added Lufile with a large smirk on his face.

Lufile is the second player in Herkelman's tenure at Coffeyville to sign with Wichita State. Ryan Martin, who played for the Ravens from 2003-2005, played at Wichita State for two seasons under Mark Turgeon.