MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Amidst the flurry of activity in the college basketball transfer portal, one coach stands out for his knack of attracting top-tier talent: Penny Hardaway. Tasked with rebuilding his roster for the upcoming season, Hardaway faces a challenging task with only two returning players and the uncertainty surrounding the potential return of David Jones. However, the renowned coach has notched an impressive feat, securing commitments from five coveted transfers, including the standout guard Baraka Okojie.
For Okojie, a dream of reaching the professional ranks fuels his ambition, and he views Hardaway's proven track record of nurturing NBA prospects as a golden opportunity. Reflecting on his decision to join the Memphis Tigers, Okojie highlights the allure of playing under Hardaway's tutelage, citing the coach's firsthand experience in the NBA as instrumental in shaping his decision.
"When I was on the visit they had done it (sent players to the NBA) before," Okojie said. "So they know what it took to get to that level and obviously coach Penny played there, but in this day and age putting players in as a coach, he's been there and seen it and knows what they are looking for. And he kind of pitched to me that they run their team like an NBA junior."
Penny Hardaway's reputation for nurturing NBA prospects undoubtedly influenced Baraka Okojie's decision to join the Memphis Tigers. Yet, as Okojie and his family embarked on their flight from Chicago to Memphis, an unexpected encounter with NBA star Derrick Rose left them interpreting the experience as a fortuitous sign.
Prior to finalizing his commitment to Memphis, Okojie explored options at DePaul University. However, it was during the flight to the Bluff City that fate intervened. Sharing the same plane was none other than Derrick Rose, a serendipitous encounter Okojie and his family viewed as a positive omen.
"It's crazy to think about, I'm on the plane to Memphis and Derrick Rose is sitting right next to me," Okojie said. "I thought maybe it is a sign maybe this is the right thing for you, maybe this is in your future."
Standing at an agile 6-foot-3, Okojie showcased his prowess on the court at George Mason, averaging 8 points per game and contributing to his former team's commendable 20-12 record. Now, with aspirations of making a splash in the NBA, he sets his sights on propelling Memphis to newfound success.
"They've set a culture of American championship or bust, NCAA Tournament or bust," Okojie said. "That's the type of energy I am bringing in. I want to experience the NCAA Tournament I want to make a run. These coaches have talked about winning a national championship multiple times."
Okojie's arrival adds to the formidable roster of transfers, including Colby Rogers, Tyrese Hunter, PJ Haggerty, and Dain Dainja, underscoring Memphis' ambition to contend for collegiate basketball's top honors. With a culture centered on championship aspirations, Okojie eagerly embraces the challenge of leading Memphis to the pinnacle of collegiate success, fueled by the collective determination of his coaches and teammates alike.
Okojie's arrival adds to the formidable roster of transfers, including Colby Rogers, Tyrese Hunter, PJ Haggerty, and Dain Dainja, underscoring Memphis' ambition to contend for collegiate basketball's top honors. With a culture centered on championship aspirations, Okojie eagerly embraces the challenge of leading Memphis to the pinnacle of collegiate success, fueled by the collective determination of his coaches and teammates alike.