PREP SCHOOL: Played at Bridgton Academy Prep School (Maine) in 2007-08 on a 19-15 club, averaging 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game ... Earned the Gould leadership award.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played one season at David Emmanuel Academy in Stillmore, Ga. ... Helped the Eagles win their first-ever state championship in 2006-07 ... Named team MVP ... Earned All-Region and All-State honors ... Invited to participate in the GISA Georgia/South Carolina All-Star Game ... Averaged 12 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 62% from the floor.

PERSONAL: Born Dawda Njie on February 17, 1988, in Pipeline, The Gambia, his hometown ... Arrived in the U.S. for the first time in January 2006 to attend high school and play basketball ... Lived with Sonny and Barbie Morgan in Metter while attending David Emmanuel Academy ... Enjoys fishing, reading and swimming ... Lists Tyler Hansbrough as a favorite sports personality and Nelson Mandela as an influential figure.

COACH BURKHAMER SAYS: "Dawda is a young man with a lot of promise. This year will be a great learning year for him. He will be exposed to a variety of things on and off the court. I believe Dawda' best basketball is in front of him. His work ethic will determine how quickly he reaches his potential. Dawda has only played basketball for a couple of years and already has good instincts and skills. He simply needs to refine his skills and get college basketball experience to reach his potential."