“He is a true 7-foot. He actually grew I’d say an inch and a half (this past year). He is projected to grow another inch and a half to two inches,” Harry Coxsome, mentor of the Lagos, Nigeria native told the Journal-World on Thursday after the Potter’s House Christian senior signed his letter-of-intent with KU in a ceremony at the Jacksonville, Fla. High School.

Azubuike, who committed to KU on Jan. 28, could have signed as early as April 13, but elected to ink on the same day as other student-athletes at his high school.

“I’m hoping by the time he’s in that second year in Lawrence, his sophomore year, I’m hoping he’ll be about 7-1 or 7-2,” Coxsome stated.

The 275-pound Azubuike, who turns 17 on Sept. 17 and must play at KU at least two seasons in accordance with NBA draft age restrictions, wears size 19 shoes, Coxsome indicated.

“His measurement at the Hoop Summit was with shoes off. He was 7 feet and 3/8 of an inch, something like that,” Coxsome said, which would make Azubuike KU’s first 7-footer since Joel Embiid, who played at KU in 2013-14.

Azubuike will graduate, then arrive for first semester of summer school the first week of June, Coxsome said.

“It’s moreso development,” Coxsome said of what’s in store this summer for McDonald’s All-American Azubuike, who averaged 16.9 points and 9.7 rebounds a game this past season for (21-9) Potter’s House. “First and foremost, he’s going to get in the best shape possible. He talked to Hudy (Andrea, strength coach) and coach (Bill) Self. They have an excellent plan for him. Coming out of high school he’s used to playing 20, 30 some minutes. Moreso, he wasn’t in the best of shape playing those minutes. Now we’re trying to get him so he can play a legitimate 28, 29, 30 college minutes where he can actually go those full minutes. Individual development he’ll be working on things he needs to perfect in his game,” Coxsome added.

Azubuike — he chose KU over North Carolina and Florida State — recently scored nine points with eight rebounds in the McDonald’s Game and 10 points with six boards in the Jordan Classic. Rivals.com’s No. 27-rated player had three points and two boards in the Hoop Summit.

“Considering he didn’t get the ball too much, what he accomplished in those games … I think he did really well,” Coxsome said.

“He’s happy to be coming to Kansas and work with a bunch of great coaches and players. Today (at ceremony) was a nice setting. I know he was happy finally getting it done and sharing it with the others (who signed and students who watched the ceremony). We’re all looking forward to what comes ahead.”

This, that: KU coach Self will comment on Azubuike’s signing when papers are processed at KU’s compliance office. … Derryck Thornton, a 6-2 point guard who has decided to leave Duke after one season, will conclude his official visit to KU this morning. He’s said he will visit Washington on Sunday and Miami on May 15. He’s already visited USC.