Okorie excited about future basketball career

by Cody Barron, staff writer

Nick Okorie finished last season as an honorable-mention all-conference selection and one game short of a berth in the NJCAA national tournament. 

So, naturally, the stage was set for a stellar season for the sophomore guard from Houston.

Growing up in South Texas, Okorie focused on playing football rather than basketball.  It was only a matter of time though before he began playing more competitively and finding his true passion in basketball. 

In high school, Okorie led Houston Kempner with 19.7 points, five points and five rebounds per game as a senior.  He was named to the all-district team and played in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star game.

As a freshman at South Plains College, Okorie averaged 12.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.  After Steve Harley left SPC to play for the University of Nebraska, Okorie knew it was his time to step his game up to the next level.  Although the team ended the regular season lacking the consistency they would’ve liked in 2006-2007, Okorie was undoubtedly a key player down the stretch during SPC’s 2008 national championship run.  This season, Okorie averaged 17.1 points per game, including 29 points to lead the way for the Texans in the national championship game, a 67-56 victory against Salt Lake Community College on March 22 in Hutchinson, Kan.

Okorie, a sports management major, has already committed to continue his academic and athletic careers at Texas Tech University, where he will play under coach Pat Knight.

“I’m very excited about playing Division I basketball for Coach Knight,” said Okorie.

Next season, Okorie will have the opportunity to play against his former teammate Harley at Nebraska.  

He plans to pursue a career playing basketball professionally, and eventually would like to open a sporting goods store in the Houston area.

Among Okorie’s favorite hobbies, besides playing basketball, is watching college football.  His favorite teams are the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Florida Gators.  As a Houston native, Okorie’s favorite NBA team is the Rockets, or any other team Tracy McGrady has played on, for that matter. 

Okorie has excelled at every level he has competed, including the 2008 NJCAA national championship.  Now, only time will tell if his success will continue on to the next level.

 *Photo by Britni Palomino/Plainsman Press