After visiting the Robert Morris campus for a second time earlier this year, junior college transfer Taevon Ashmeade was convinced Moon Township was the best destination for him.
Head coach Andy Toole officially extended a scholarship offer during that trip, and once Ashmeade was cleared academically Tuesday, the guard committed to the Colonials. The Bronx, New York, native will be eligible to play immediately.
“A blessing,” Ashmeade said on fulfilling his dream of playing at a NCAA Division I school. “I’ve come a long, long ways. It’s a blessing.”
Ashmeade, who will be a junior this year, starred at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida, the past two seasons. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 4.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 27 games last year, helping guide the Indians to a 22-8 record.
Having grown up in New York City, Ashmeade was already familiar with the program and the team’s success under coach Toole.
“I’m from New York and a lot of people know about Robert Morris basketball,” Ashmeade said. “I knew about it being a good school and being in a good conference.”
“The city of Pittsburgh is close to home, so it made a lot of sense.”
Ashmeade immediately recognized similarities between coach Toole and himself.
“He [Coach Toole] seems very straightforward…I’m that way, too,” Ashmeade said. “I’m serious about basketball and not trying to play around. I liked his energy and vibe.”
Ashmeade listed his strengths as attacking the basket, rebounding, and playing great defense, and he is excited to join his new teammates.
“I hope to bring toughness, energy, and leadership,” Ashmeade said. “Being a JUCO transfer, I’ll be an older guy on the team. I want to be a leader and bring a winning mentality.”
Only four scholarship players return for the Colonials in 2017-18 after heavy offseason attrition once again. Ashmeade is the fourth transfer player and ninth overall added to the roster since the team’s season-ending loss to Mount St. Mary’s in early March. He joins incoming transfers Josh Williams, Malik Petteway and Xavier Williams and new recruits Jon Williams, Leondre Washington, Koby Thomas, Chris Coalman, and Charles Bain.
The Colonials officially open the season Friday, Nov. 10, at Ohio State.
