Washington State Basketball: Cal Transfer ND Okafor Looks to Rebound from Injury in 2024

The Dundalk, Ireland native flashed ability before having his season ended.

Mar 8, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; California Golden Bears forward ND Okafor (22) dunks against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

One of the many transfers incoming to the Washington State program, former Cal forward ND Okafor is an intriguing player, one whose potential last season was cut short by a season-ending leg injury.

Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing a sturdy 235 pounds, Okafor can play both the power forward and center roles for his new team, rotating along with Dane Erikstrup (6-foot-11, 226 pounds, via Eastern Washington), Ethan Price (6-foot-10, 230 pounds, via Eastern Washington), and Dimitrije Vukicevic (7-foot, weight not listed, freshman via Serbia).

Though he played inconsistent minutes over his first couple of seasons, Okafor showed flashes of productivity – he had double-digit scoring nights twice in his freshman season, one against USC where he scored 11 points, and another against Oregon, where he scored 10. Though both of these games were in his first year, it's hard to judge his sophomore season due to its brevity.

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He's good in the screening game, and is surprisingly mobile for a player of his position and size. He scores virtually all of his points in the paint, and demonstrated good IQ on the offensive end by springing teammates free by using his frame.

He didn't have a chance to play any conference games last season, so his statistics aren't particularly informative. It is more helpful to look at his freshman year numbers, though according to Synergy Sports, he was not efficient for a player of his position – he averaged just 0.85 points per shot, which had him in the bottom fifth in this category.

The important thing to grasp from looking at his advanced stats is that he is truly a post player through and through – 75% of his attempts come at the rim. He's also not ever going to be a major scoring option – his game is much more complimentary of other scorers.

More likely, he'll be used as a rotational center that can come in and be effective in the post as a rebounder and post defender. He lacks the length to be an elite shot-blocker, but he can be a player that makes it difficult to cut to the basket due to his frame.

Overall, he may not be the star of the Cougars this year, but ND Okafor will likely play a role for his new team.