MICHIGAN LOVES GOOGLE

Idong Ibok, (Pronounced: EE-dong EE-bock) A Nigerian powerhouse from Montverde, Florida. A 6 foot 11 inch (255 pound) center that demonstrates the "Blue Collar" work ethic that Tom Izzo has been known to develop in young Spartans. And Folks! he is just coming into his own. I see the mean streak that could turn Ibok into a Bob Probert type of intimidator on the hardwood shutting down the paint in Breslin to all vistors.

The Recruit: Tom Izzo knew he found a gem in Idongesit Ibok: "In Ibok, we are adding a player who is a great complement to our team," said MSU coach Tom Izzo. "We are excited about his size, his length and exceptional athleticism. He is a good shot-blocker with good footwork in the low post. After having played basketball for just three years overall, and just one in America, we view him as a player with great potential. When you combine his athleticism, his maturity and his intelligence, he is a great fit for the Spartan basketball program."

2004-05 Spartan basketball Recruiting Class: Ibok joins his fellow Spartan recruits Marquise Gray, Drew Neitzel and Goran Suton to form a great class to build on.

Idong Ibok has the potential to be the best shot-blocker in Michigan State history ... Has only been playing basketball for a few years ... Has made tremendous improvement in his game since arriving at MSU ... Very hard worker ... Owns a 7-foot-5 wingspan and a 9-foot-3 reach.

In High School: (Montverde Academy, Montverde, Fla.) - Ibok was an athletic shot-blocker with back-to-the-basket skills as a post player ... Averaged 10 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 blocks in his one season at Montverde Academy, as the team posted a 23-2 record under head coach Kevin Sutton ... Participated in the 2003 Nike All-American camp. Averaged 10 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 blocks in his one season at Montverde Academy, as the team posted a 23-2 record under head coach Kevin Sutton ... Participated in the 2003 Nike All-American camp.

PERSONAL:
Born: Feb. 17, 1985
Parents: Son of Moses and Kate Ibok
Full name: Idongesit Ibok
Native of: Lagos, Nigeria
Studies: MSU Major in Telecommunication

Source: MSUspartans.com

THE INJURY THAT WAS SHOWN AROUND THE WORLD

In 2007, Ibok was sidelined after dislocating his left elbow in the first half of the Spartans' first-round NCAA Tournament victory over Marquette. I never seen a injury that spead throughout the internet as fast this one. It was like CBS was broadcasting on youtube or myspace. It was a Gruesome Injury and CBS wouldn't cut any slack on broadcasting in High Definition Detail.

The CBS cameras stayed focused on Ibok's misshapen elbow long after it was clear what had happened. Commentator Jay Bilas had already diagnosed the injury as a dislocated elbow, and play-by-play man Dick Enberg said, "I think we've seen enough of that already," but CBS wasn't done showing it. Between closeups of the elbow and a subsequent replay, I think CBS may have made some viewers lose their dinners. ~ Michael David Smith, The Fanhouse AOL SPORTS

So NO! I'm not showing you the video...I think its creepy how people like to re-watch stuff like that.

THE FUTURE: Idong Ibok has cleared surgery and completed most of his rehab work. I see him like the new six million dollar man...we have rebuilt him...stronger... faster...better than before. Look for the mean streak to surface in the upcoming 2008 season. Ibok is another year older, a lot more wiser, and he even looks a little bit taller...so expect the enforcer and dunker to take over the paint at the Breslin Center . Watch for it and watch MSU's opponent's shots being thrown into the stands.

Idong Ibok Links

Ibok's Stats
Recruiting Profile
Injury News
MSU Spartan Homepage
State News
Idong's Myspace

Magic 8-Ball Says

The Magic Johnson Foundation:

The mission of the Magic Johnson Foundation's is to identify and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health, and social needs of children, young adults and inner-city communities throughout the nation.

Steve Smith Scholarship Fund:

“It's an honor to be attending MSU in the name of Steve Smith. I'm very appreciative of this scholarship, which is so beneficial to me. Without it, I would not have been able to attend MSU.” ~ Latonja Johnson, Scholarship Recipient

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He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared. -Sun Tzu, the Art of War