Mercer University Athletics

MACON, Ga. – Sidiki Straub, a 6-foot-9 center from Cabrillo College in Aptos, Calif., has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Mercer University this season, men’s basketball head coach Bob Hoffman announced Wednesday.

Straub, 220-pound native of Hamburg, Germany, averaged 4.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.6 blocked shots as a sophomore last season. He shot 63.8 percent from the field for coach Tony Marcopulos’ Seahawks as the team posted a 22-9 overall record, including an 11-1 mark in the California Community College Athletic Association’s Coast Conference.

Cabrillo College claimed first place in the South Division last season as Straub helped lead the Seahawks to the outright conference championship for the first time in school history.

“Sidiki’s length and ability to pursue the basketball can’t be taught,” said Hoffman. “His overall stats do not reflect what he brings to the table because he is quick and is a very talented rebounder. His per-minute stats are off the charts.”

Straub joins E.J. Kusnyer, Zach Natoli and Jake Gollon as newcomers with the Bears for the 2008-09 campaign.