From Nigeria to Rutgers men's basketball, Emmanuel Ogbole is ready to take on starting center role
Junior center Emmanuel Ogbole is ready to take charge as the leading center of the Rutgers men's basketball team after the departure of Clifford Omoruyi.
Before joining the Scarlet Knights, Ogbole attended Excel Model Secondary School in Nigeria. But Ogbole did not start playing basketball until he was 18 years old after graduating high school.
This introduction to basketball resulted from Ogbole's invitation to a camp hosted by Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri.
"I was privileged to attend the Giants of Africa camp hosted by Masai Ujiri," Ogbole said. "In 2018, I attended the camp. I wasn't really good. I just had the size and everything. I didn't really have much skills. All I could do was dunk the ball and maybe give a few passes."
Before the camp, Ogbole considered playing soccer and football. He quickly changed paths.
"I attended that camp and I noticed how diverse basketball was and what you could achieve through basketball," Ogbole said. "Basketball is a small world. You can meet great people from playing basketball. I have so many people who I call family because of basketball."
Even with a late start, Ogbole's 6-foot-10, 270-pound frame was undeniable. Ogbole took his talents to the U.S., attending Monroe College for the 2022-2023 season. At Monroe College, Ogbole strengthened his skill set and dominated. He averaged 12.3 points per game with 8.2 rebounds per game, all while shooting 69.3 percent from the field, which ranked sixth in the nation at the junior college level. He showed off his defensive prowess alongside a monstrous offensive presence, collecting two blocks per game.
As a result of his play, Ogbole had interest from all over, including high-level programs like Kansas and Texas Tech. Ultimately, it came down to Seton Hall and Rutgers, both of which extended offers to Ogbole. He decided to transfer to the Knights.
"I saw the chemistry team the had. Especially the players who weren't playing on the bench," Ogbole said. "I really liked the fans, and they made me feel that it was such a lovely place. I loved seeing Rutgers Nation on that day, and they made me realize I want to make history when I am there."
During the 2023-2024 season, Ogbole sat on the bench behind Omoruyi for the majority of the season. He played in 10 games, averaging 8.1 minutes per game with 2.1 points per game and two rebounds per game.
With Omoruyi out of the picture this season and the starting center job open, Ogbole looks poised to assume the role.
While head coach Steve Pikiell likely had the chance to pursue centers in the transfer portal, none were brought in, as he will instill his trust in Ogbole. While he still has much to improve, Ogbole's work ethic should bode well for these improvements. This is seen through the fact that he dropped to just 6 percent body fat this offseason.
"I just tried to stay focused, tried to improve on my weak side," Ogbole said. "Just trying to work more with my coaches so I can understand when we go over everything."
Following an exhibition game where Ogbole finished with 4 points, four rebounds and two blocks, the Nigerian native will have his first official chance to show his improvements as the starting center when Rutgers faces off against Wagner on November 6 in its season opener.
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