Any time Atupem walks into a gym or an arena to play basketball, it's often a hot topic for everyone else.

"It's definitely a conversation piece," said Mountaineers men's basketball coach Milan Brown, adding that Atupem's hi-top fade reminds him of being back in college.

Atupem, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward, said he went to the fade just to be different.

"Not too many people out there have flat tops," he said.

But Atupem is hoping to extend any conversation about him beyond the hair, starting with Saturday's home opener against Loyola at Knott Arena. Tipoff is 2 p.m.

With the graduations of older brother, Sam, and Markus Mitchell, Atupem is expected to be the Mount's primary front-court scorer.

"I don't have those two horses to rely on anymore," he said. "I am the horse now."

Atupem is a quick, versatile player who can play facing the basket or with his back to it. He shot 53.6 percent from floor last season as a valuable contributor off the bench.

"He's going to be a really tough guard because he is very quick," Brown said. "He can handle the basketball and he's really good at finishing around the basket. But now he's added a little 15-foot jump shot to go along with it."

The jumper was acquired over a busy summer in which Atupem took a trip with his family to visit relatives in Africa.

"That was a great trip. I had never been out of the country before," said Atupem, who spent most of June in Ghana. "It's really hot over there."

Atupem called the first two-and-a-half weeks of the trip the best time of his life.

"I am in a whole different environment seeing family members I never knew I had," he said. "My family members look just like my dad. It was like I was seeing of whole bunch of my dad over there."

Toward the end of the trip, Atupem was getting really home sick. He knew it was time to get back on campus and back in the gym.

"We are happy with the work he has put in," Brown said. "He has worked to get his game where it is and he knows that there is a lot more that is going to be thrust upon him. He's ready for the challenge."

Atupem said it's time to "cash the check" for all of the work he has done.

He followed a 10-point, six-rebound performance in a season-opening loss at No. 17 Oklahoma on Saturday with a 13-point, four-rebound effort in a 73-62 win at American on Wednesday.

"I am definitely excited to be able to show my talents, especially with the players I have around me," he said. "I feel very comfortable."

As for the flat-top, Atupem isn't sure how high he will let it grow.

"Every time my mom sees him, she grabs his head and says, 'What are you doing with this?'" senior teammate Kelly Beidler said. "I told him I like it as long as he keeps a good cut and keeps it shaped up. He can't let it get out of control."

NOTE: The Mount announced Wednesday it had signed three players to National Letters of Intent for the 2010-11 men's basketball season.

They are Justin Burrell, a 5-8 point guard from Dumfries, Va., Jeff James, a 6-4 forward from Bowie, and Donte Morales, a 6-5 forward from Virginia Beach.

Morales is attending the Fishburne Military School in Virginia. Brown said Morales could step right in and be ready to play next season for the Mount. He averaged 19.6 points and 8.5 rebounds as a senior at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach.

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.