CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte head men's basketball coach Grant Leonard is excited to announce the addition of groundbreaking athlete Jacobi Sebock to the 2023 recruiting class. Sebock comes to the Queen City following a season at Dodge City Community College where he was named a Fab 50 JUCO Freshman by jucorecruiting.com
 
"Jacobi is a player that we identified early in the process as someone who we thought would become a star at Queens," said Coach Leonard. "His athleticism is off the charts; his ball skill is developing into elite and his motor and intangibles are what sets him apart. What he has overcome in his life medically to get to this point is inspiring and we are proud to have him here at Queens."
 
A native of Midwest City, Oklahoma, Sebock has battled his fair share of opponents on the court, but the 6-6 guard has also been battling a rare condition called hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, or HED. The medical condition is one of more than 100 types of ectodermal dysplasia, affecting 1 in 20,000 newborns worldwide. Prior to birth, the disorders can result in abnormal development of the ectodermal tissues.
 
As an athlete, Sebock has always had to remain aware of his body temperature during competition and workouts. Since the condition impacts the sweat glands, Sebock wore cooling vests and wristbands and used breathing techniques to regulate his body temperature and keep him cool as a young athlete. Sebock created a signal with his high school coach which worked very well to indicate when he needed to come out for a cooling break.
 
Despite the hardships, Sebock didn't allow the disorder to impede his goals and love for basketball. As a high school standout, he led the Midwest City Bombers to a regional championship and a state tournament appearance in 2021-22. In his senior campaign, Sebock averaged 16.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game en route to being named the Big 8 Conference Player of the Year, Big 8 First Team All-Conference, and an All-State selection.
 
The success in his final high school campaign opened the door for an opportunity at Dodge City Community College in Kansas. In one season, Sebock guided the Conquistadors to a 25-10 overall record while winning the KJCCC Conference Championship. Dodge City made an Elite Eight appearance in the NJCAA Division 1 National Tournament and was ranked as high as No. 8 in the national polls. Sebock played in all 34 games, including 33 starts, and averaged 11.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 assists per game. Sebock turned in seven double-doubles on the season and was named KJCCC Second Team All-Conference. Sebock had a career night against Coffeyville Community College scoring a career-high 22 points and 10 rebounds.
 
"Queens just got one of the toughest, high-motor kids that I've ever coached," said Dodge City Head Coach Brad Witherspoon. "Jacobi will be a fan favorite and will make an immediate impact on the court. He is one of the best athletes in the NJCAA this year. On top of that, he is a great kid and a great student. I'm excited to see his career at Queens."
 
Sebock will have three years of eligibility left with the Royals.
 
"Queens just felt right," said Sebock. "They made me and my family feel like we were a part of their family. I was impressed with the coaching staff and facilities. Coach Wilson and Coach G continued to reach out throughout my season to reassure me that I was wanted at Queens. Building relationships are important to me and the coaches at Queens made sure to do that. I look forward to this next chapter and I am ready to wear a Royals uniform."
 
While Royals Nation waits for the Sebock era to begin in the Queen City, fans are encouraged to learn more about ectodermal dysplasia by visiting the official website of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia. Fans and families can learn more about the various types, symptoms, research, and treatments. You can also learn more about Jacobi's and others' battles by reading the NFED Story of Hope blogs.
 
The Royals are coming off their first Division 1 season as a member of the ASUN Conference. Queens posted an 18-15 overall record and a 7-11 conference record, including a quarterfinal appearance in the ASUN Tournament. Queens has turned in 15 or more wins in nine consecutive seasons dating back to 2013-14. The Royals return four starters who averaged over 20.0 minutes per game last season. Queens ranked second in the league in scoring averaging pouring in 77.7 points per game and second in the league in rebounds per game with 37.3.
 
Be sure to follow Queens Men's Basketball on Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok for news and updates throughout the offseason. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media to stay up to date on all the Royals sports in action.