Auburn basketball received a boost in recruiting this week with the announcement that former JUCO big man will be joining the team for the season.
The Tigers had an impressive run to the Final Four last season, but their roster was primarily made up of seniors. With the departure of key players like Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell, along with several others, he is the type of player Auburn needs to help fill the void left by their absence.
Standing at seven feet tall, he moved to the United States from Nigeria last year and began his collegiate career at Butler Community College in Kansas. During his one season there, he averaged 9.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks, earning Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors.
He visited Auburn earlier this week and ultimately chose the Tigers over several other programs, including St. John’s, George Mason, Indiana, and Iowa. The people within the Auburn basketball program played a key role in his decision, but head coach Bruce Pearl’s track record of developing big men like Walker Kessler and Johni Broome was a major factor as well.
“It was a factor because I can see myself in those positions,” Opurum said, according to Auburn Undercover. “Obviously, I’m not the best of the best. I can see myself being there because of the type of coaches that have developed certain people. Obviously, I have to hit the weight room because I have to be ready. You have to be prepared. I just have to take it a step at a time.”
Opurum joins the Tigers alongside former Mississippi State forward/center KeShawn Murphy and former UCF wing Keyshawn Hall as part of Auburn’s growing roster for the upcoming season.