April 11, 2007

ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis University head men's basketball coach Brad Soderberg today announced that 6-foot-7 swingman Marcus Relphorde has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University and play basketball for the Billikens. He will have four years of eligibility beginning with the 2007-08 academic year.

"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Marcus Relphorde," Soderberg said. "Both he and Anthony Mitchell, who signed earlier today, are good enough to immediately compete for starting spots while providing us depth and athleticism - two areas our staff felt needed to be addressed with this recruiting class."

Relphorde played at Homewood-Flossmoor in Chicago before attending American Christian School in Alston, Pa. last year. He scored 13 points, grabbed six rebounds and handed out 3.5 assists per game. At Flossmoor, Relphorde helped the Vikings to a 27-4 record and a spot in the Illinois Supersectionals in 2004-05. He played on that team with current Kansas sophomore Julian Wright, who has declared for the NBA Draft this summer.

"Marcus is a tremendous signee for this program," Soderberg said. "He has the `hard to find' combination of size, skill and agility. I am not exaggerating when I say he has the ability to play all four perimeter positions equally well and, if necessary, could probably do some damage in the post. Marcus is unique in that he has the size and strength necessary to defend lane players yet quick enough feet to defend perimeter players. He poses match-up problems for opposing defenses because he can score both inside and out. He is a great passer with a very good feel on the offensive end."

"I chose Saint Louis because it is the right fit for me both academically and with basketball," Relphorde said. "I like the coaching staff, fit in well with the team and like where the program is headed."

Relphorde joins Anthony Mitchell of East St. Louis High, who signed earlier today, as the first players in Soderberg's 2007-08 class. The signing period runs through May 16.

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