Okorie Commits to Texas Tech

South Plains College sophomore guard Nick Okorie (Houston, TX) has verbally committed to play basketball at Texas Tech University beginning with the 2008-09 season.

Okorie will officially sign his letter of intent during the late signing period in April.

“Texas Tech has always been my top choice.  It is sad that I am not going to get to play for Coach Bob Knight, but it doesn’t take away from my wanting to go to Tech and play in the Big 12,” Okorie said. “I am really anxious to play for Pat Knight and hopefully be a part of something new and special.”

Okorie, a 6-1 guard who graduated from Fort Bend Kempner High School in 2006, is the leading scorer for South Plains College this season, averaging 17.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for the Texans, who are currently 20-2 and ranked No. 9 in the nation. He has scored in double figures in 19 games and scored a season-high 31 points against Howard College on Jan. 24. He was named Western Junior College Athletic Conference Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks.

During the 2006-07 season at SPC, Okorie was named Honorable Mention All-Conference while averaging 12.2 points and 3.4 rebounds. In high school, he averaged 19.7 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game. He was named All-District and played in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star game.

“We are excited for Nick and think this is great opportunity for him to continue his education and play in one of the best basketball conferences in the nation.” SPC head coach Steve Green said. “He has been a leader for us the past two seasons and I expect him to continue to do great things at Texas Tech.”