Cats add Calif. big man

EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern head men's basketball coach Bill Carmody has announced the addition of incoming freshman Aaron Liberman (Los Angeles, Calif./Valley Torah) to the Wildcats' roster for the upcoming 2012-13 season.

"We are thrilled to officially announce the addition of Aaron Liberman to our 2012-13 recruiting class," Carmody said. "Aaron had a tremendous opportunity to spend a year abroad studying and playing in Israel. He has made excellent strides to develop his body and to hone his skills on the court. He will be a great addition to our revamped frontcourt."

A 6-foot-10 forward/center, Liberman posted averages of 17.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 8.7 blocked shots per game for Valley Torah High School as a prep senior in 2010-11. His blocked shots average ranked fifth in the nation that season as he helped Valley Torah to a CIF Southern Section championship.

Liberman joins fellow incoming freshmen Kale Abrahamson, Chier Ajou, Sanjay Lumpkin and Alex Olah in the Wildcats' recruiting class. Redshirts Tre Demps and Mike Turner will also have freshman eligibility in 2012-13.

Aaron Liberman

6-10, 215

Forward/Center

Los Angeles, Calif./Valley Torah

High School: Averaged 17.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 8.7 blocked shots per game as a prep senior ... Ranked fifth in the nation in blocked shots ... Recipient of 2011 John R. Wooden Player of the Year Award ... Helped lead Valley Torah to a 25-5 record and the CIF Southern Section championship, the first Jewish school to claim the section title ... Named Westside League MVP ... Helped lead the United States to a gold medal at the Maccabi Pan American Games in Brazil in January of 2012 ... Honor roll student ... High school coaches were Matt Meisels and Robert Icart.

Personal: Born Aaron Jacob Liberman ... Son of Lenard and Sarah Liberman ... Spent a year aboard in Israel upon graduation from high school.