Kevin Obanor elects to return, play final season with Texas Tech men's basketball
The KO Show is back.
Kevin Obanor, who averaged 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season, is running it back after announcing on social media Friday that he will return to play for the Texas Tech men's basketball team.
"Feels good to be home," he Tweeted.
All in his hands: Kevin Obanor's decision to transfer to Texas Tech was last-second
The 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward provides a key component in the post when it comes to grabbing offensive and defensive rebounds while stretching the floor on the offensive end with his ability to knock down treys from the corners, top of the key and wings of the three-point line.
Obanor netted three of his five double-doubles in the NCAA Tournament, including a 15-points and 15-rebound performance in a second-round win over Notre Dame. With that performance, the former Oral Roberts standout has netted a double-double in all six tournament games he'd played in.
“I’m coming back because I love everything Texas Tech is about, from the fans, to the coaching staff,” Obanor, who was weighing options of turning professional, said in a Texas Tech news release. “Also, we have some unfinished business for the goal to leave Tech better than it was found.”
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Through four seasons in college, which consists of 123 games, Obanor has amassed 1,676 points and 889 rebounds in his career and holds one year of eligibility.
“He’s a proven winner with a lot of experience,” Red Raiders coach Mark Adams said in a Texas Tech news release. “I really liked the way he played with a lot of toughness and character last season. He got us a lot of big offensive rebounds and always fought hard to help us win big games. We can definitely build a team around him and is ready for the challenge that comes with being a team leader.”
Last season, Obanor entered his name in the NBA Draft to garner feedback on what he needed to improve. Had he done the same, he would have lost his college eligibility.
As for who could potentially join Obanor in the frontcourt next season?
Arkansas State transfer forward Norchad Omier is reportedly on campus for his official visit. The 6-foot-7, 230-pounder averaged 17.9 points, 12.2 rebounds en route to garnering Sun Belt Player of the Year for the 2021-22 campaign.
Along with Omier, Utah Valley transfer Fardaws Aimaq is scheduled to have an official next week with Texas Tech. The 6-foot-11, 245-pound center netted 18.9 points and 13.6 rebounds last season. He’s a wanted commodity and has garnered attention from the likes of Texas and Gonzaga among others.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Kevin Obanor to play final season with Texas Tech men's basketball
