“Obokoh Has NBA Potential”; Our Eyes Are Locked!

 

 

One of the most highly touted recruits in New York State for the class of 2013 is Chinonso Obokoh out of Bishop Kearny High School in Rochester.

Obokoh, a native of Nigeria, moved to the United States in 2010. Ever since, his Basketball career has taken off.

The 6’10” 223 lb. center lists Villanova, James Madison, Temple, Syracuse, Texas, USC, Oklahoma, Wake Forest, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, and Oregon as the favorites to land his services to play college hoops. “The recruiting process is amazing”, Obokoh said in a recent interview with Upstate Scouting. “I never thought I would have the opportunities that I currently have. It’s not easy when a lot of people are telling you things you want to hear.”

Obokoh excels at running the floor, rebounding, defending around the rim, and he is not afraid to bang in the post and use his 6’10’’ frame to create space. He is also working on developing a mid-range game with his jumper.

Although he is still raw on the offensive end, Obokoh has future NBA potential, so it’s not hard to see why he is attracting attention from some of the top schools in the country. Obokoh averaged nearly 15 points and 10 rebounds for Bishop Kearny last year, leading them to a Section V Class A title.

When asked where he is strongest on the court Obokoh made it clear which end he feels is his best. “I feel that my defense is my strongest asset right now” he added, and it is not hard to see why he feels that way. Obokoh averaged just under 5 blocks per game for Bishop Kearny in his junior season and completely dominated the paint at the high school level.

Obokoh spends his AAU days playing for Jim Hart and the storied Albany City Rocks AAU program. “I love the City Rocks and I love playing for Jim. He’s a really good guy that wants to see everybody succeed”.

However, not everything has been easy for Obokoh since coming to America. Obokoh notes that the biggest adjustments he has had to make has been being away from his family, as well as getting used to the food and weather of upstate New York.

While his game garners plenty of attention on the court, Obokoh puts his college education above all else. “Nothing is more important than my education. Basketball will eventually go away. My mom has always told me the knowledge will always be with me if I continue to seek it.”

Obokoh has stated he is very interested in Business school, and plans to study Accounting in college. He currently boasts a 3.4 GPA at Bishop Kearny.

Obokoh’s journey from Nigeria to a Division One school to play college basketball will be complete after one more year at Bishop Kearny, and he cites his family for helping him get to where he is today. “My mother is my hero. After God all the glory goes to my mother. My family (Kevan & Anne Sheppard) here in Rochester have been there for me every step of the way since I started this journey.”

As for his senior season in high school, Obokoh’s goal his clear. “I only have one goal, State Championship!”

Upstate scouting wants to thank Chinonso Obokoh for answering our questions and wish him the best of luck in his collegiate career.

Ross Bentley – Staff Writer