Vandal basketball team announces two early signees

MOSCOW — Idaho men’s basketball coach Don Verlin announced the signing of two new Vandals to national letters of intent on Wednesday during the early signing period.

Idaho signed forward Ayodele “Ayo” Ojo of Jonesboro, Ark. (State Fair (Mo.) CC), and guard Perrion Callandret of Bothell (Wash.) High. Ojo will join Idaho as a junior in 2013-14, while Callandret will be a freshman.

Ojo is a 6-7, 225-pound forward in his sophomore season at Missouri’s State Fair Junior College. As a freshman last year, he averaged 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.2 percent from the floor. He led SFCC with 2.3 offensive boards per game last season, as well.

“Ayo brings a physical and athletic presence that we need on our front line,” Verlin said. “He is big and physical on the block and yet has the ability to step out and shoot the outside shot. His athleticism will make him a force on the boards for the Vandals, as well.”

Callandret, a 6-2, 180-pound guard, was a first-team All-KingCo pick last year after leading Bothell to a 17-11 overall record. He averaged 17 points for the Cougars last season after transferring from O’Dea High.

“Perrion is one of the biggest sleepers on the west coast,” Verlin said. “Perrion is a very athletic, ‘do it all’ guard with great instincts for the game.”