Jonathan Dupre makes a decision

As the spring signing period went on, Jonathan Dupre became a scorching hot commodity. At 6-foot-8, 210-pounds, skilled, potential-laden, and with three years of eligility remaining to boot, it was quite understandable. The Collin County Community College standout started taking his official visits, and it was on his third one this past weekend that he figured out that he wanted to continue his college career on the West Coast.

"I just visited Pepperdine this weekend and told the coaches before I left that I wanted to sign with them," Dupre said. "I've got a great relationship with the coaching staff and it's a good school location. When I was there, I had a one-on-one with Coach (Tom) Asbury and he told me that when he was there, Pepperdine was really on top. He wants to get it back to there and wants me to be a big part of that rebuilding process."

Dupre had previously visited UC Irvine and Southern Utah the past two weekends, and a trip to Wintrop was possibly on the horizon. But Dupre liked the opportunity in front of him at Pepperdine and knew it was one he couldn't pass up. "It's in a good area in Malibu, and you get a lot of exposure with them in their conference," Dupre said. "It's a win-win situation."

This past season at Quad-C, Dupre was a key contributor off the bench in the frontcourt, averaging 5.5 points and 4.0 rebounds while ranking second on the team in blocked shots (15). With three years of eligiblity remaining, the Fort Bend Marshall High School alumnus learned to play more in the post during his one and only year as a Cougar, giving him what he believes the skills to better succeed at the next level.

"It really got me prepared me as it helped give me a more versatile game," Dupre said. "Now I'm a better all-around player. The key for me will be getting stronger but I will keep on working on everything."

Texas Hoops Analysis: JONATHAN is a long bodied player with a solid basketball build. He has a good skill level, can shoot it with 3 point range, runs the floor well and has the tools to develop into a very good player.