Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball player Henri Langton has signed a national letter of intent to join the Tulane University Green Wave in fall 2019.

The 6-foot, 11-inch forward from Leicester, England, signed his paperwork Thursday, Nov. 15, during the NCAA’s early signing period.   Missouri State-West Plains officials announced the signing Monday, Nov. 19.

Tulane is an NCAA Division I school in New Orleans, Louisiana, and competes in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).

“Both times I visited Tulane, I really fell in love with the atmosphere, staff and team,” Langton said of his choice. “I like pushing myself outside my comfort zone and learning new skills. I think Tulane is really going to help me with this. Coach Mike Dunleavy has had a great career in the NBA as both a player and a coach, and he is a really knowledgeable guy. I’m really excited to see what kind of growth I can get while being there, both as a person and a player.”

“Henri has the size and skill needed to be effective in the AAC,” Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Chris Popp said. “He will have the opportunity to learn from a legend in Coach Dunleavy. He and Coach (Doug) Stewart have done a great job in the recruiting process. That investment makes a big difference as players choose their next step.”

“Henri is a stretch-five big man who can shoot the three from pro distance,” Dunleavy said in a news release issued by Tulane. “He’s a big body with good hands who finishes around the basket. We’re happy to bring him into the fold and have him for two seasons.”

Langton joined the Grizzlies this season after playing his first year of college ball at Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colorado. He helped the Rattlers reach the NJCAA Division I Men’s National Basketball Championship Tournament last season.

“The irony is Henri may be better built to be productive at (the NCAA) level than at ours,” Popp added. “He has only begun to understand what it takes to get the most out of his abilities. He is coachable, and I am confident he will continue to grow, develop and help our team.”

Langton said he is already seeing positive differences in his abilities. “Since being in West Plains, I can already see some athletic differences. Thanks to Coach Popp, I’m extremely conditioned and mentally prepared to handle the next level. Coach Popp and Coach (Ken) Moses have pushed me every day in practice,” he said.

“This has definitely helped me become a better teammate and player,” he added. “They’re constantly helping me put in extra time in the gym, even if it’s just to get a few more shots up. I’m excited to see myself and everyone on the team continue to put in the hard work and do whatever it takes to take Missouri State-West Plains to the NJCAA tournament.”

Langton gave credit to his family for helping him reach this point in his career. “I want to show the most appreciation to my family. Without the love, support, sacrifice and commitment from my mum and dad, none of this would have been made possible for me, and I will forever be grateful to them for that,” he said.

He also praised the faculty and staff at Missouri State-West Plains for helping him succeed. “The teachers at Missouri State-West Plains are tremendous. They are really out here to see everyone succeed,” he said. “As I move forward, I will forever have gratitude in my heart for Missouri State-West Plains and everyone here who is continuing to help me be a better person.”

For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit the team’s website or call 417-255-7991.

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