Ebi Shines in the #4 Moment in ANI History

The Academy National Invitational Tournament has some new teams in its fourth season, but there is no denying that this is one of the top high school events in the country. The tournament starts December 28th and will run through December 30th. The following is a look at the number four moment in Academy National Invitational history.

Ndudi Ebi scored 161 points in the 2001 and 2002 Academy National Invitational, the most in tournament history, in front of several top college and NBA scouts. Ebi, College Basketball News’ #3 high school player in the Class of 2003, bypassed a scholarship with Arizona to go straight to the NBA. His success is the #4 moment in Academy National Invitational history.

Nbudi Ebi made eight of ten from the field to finish with 16 points, twelve rebounds and five blocked shots in their opening game of the 2001 Academy National Invitational Tournament with a 73-50 win over Texas City 73-50.

Ebi had a 34 point, 17 rebound (10 offensive boards) performance, but it was not enough as they fell to Cypress Springs 64-62 in the second round.

Ebi continued his strong play with 29 points and nine rebounds in another heart-breaking two-point loss in the third place game of the Texas Division as they fell to Heritage Christian 71-69. His 79 points was the second highest in the Academy National Invitational, behind Kendrick Davis.

Ebi’s strong showing as a junior convinced ANI director Hal Pastner that Westbury Christian belonged in the national division. Ebi had a game-high 24 points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots in their opening round 67-46 loss to Elizabeth (NJ) St. Patrick’s.

Ebi had a game-high 27 points along with eight rebounds and two blocked shots in a 63-58 overtime loss to Los Angeles (CA) Westchester as he made ten of 17 shots, including three three-pointers.

Ebi had a game-high 31 points, twelve rebounds and four blocked shots as Westbury Christian defeated Memphis (TN) Booker T. Washington 78-70 to win the seventh place game in the Academy National Invitational. He made 13 of 20 shots from the field.

Westbury Christian was only 2-4 in Ebi’s six games at the Academy National Invitational. However, they lost two two-point games and another contest in overtime. It is doubtful that anyone will ever break his career marks of 161 points and 67 rebounds.

Where They are Now? Ebi passed an opportunity to play at Arizona to go into the NBA. He was the 26th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003. He played in just 17 games as rookie. Ebi played only 32 minutes and scored just twelve points. He is currently on the injured list and has yet to play this season.