TOPEKA, Kan. – Washburn Ichabod men's basketball coach has announced the addition of Emmanuel Byrd who has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Ichabods starting in the 2022-23 school year.  He joins Zaid Dajani (6-4, 180, guard, Lenexa, Kan./Olathe Northwest High School) and Brady Chrstiansen (6-7, 200, forward, Lincoln, Neb./Pius X High School) who both signed earlier this year.
 
"Emmanuel is 6'8, long, athletic, moves well and will bring versatility to our front court," said Ballard. "He competes with a high motor and plays for one of the best high school programs in the Midwest so we like the mindset and basketball IQ he will come to campus with. Emmanuel is well rounded and involved with my organizations at his high school and we're excited about bringing another high character young man into our program."
 
Byrd is 6-8, 195 from Kansas City, Mo. and plays at Staley High School and is a member of 816 Hoops. As a senior so far this season he is averaging 11 points and eight rebounds a game and has already been named to the all-tournament teams at the Webster Grove and William Jewell Holiday Classic. So far his team have made the 2020 state championship game and have bee three-time William Jewell Tournament Championships, two-time Liberty Tournament Champions as well as two-time district and two-time conference champions. He is the son of Efrem Byrd and Michelle Blakley. His mom played tennis at William Jewell.
 
 "Emmanuel Byrd has been one of the most dedicated members of our program, Chris Neff, head coach and assistant principal at Staley High School. "His desire to improve and be coachable throughout his career are traits we have counted on from him as a leader and the captain of our team.  We are extremely excited for the opportunities that await him at Washburn University as a proud member of the Ichabod basketball tradition."