Stanford's Ebuka Okorie Announces NBA Draft Decision After Stellar Freshman Season
Ebuka Okorie, the standout freshman guard from Stanford, has decided to enter the NBA Draft following an outstanding season where he led the ACC in scoring.
Ebuka Okorie, a prominent guard for the Stanford Cardinal, has declared for the NBA Draft after a remarkable freshman year where he topped the ACC in scoring.
Okorie, who emerged from being a relatively unknown player from New Hampshire, became one of the nation’s leading freshmen during his inaugural season under coach Kyle Smith.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Okorie expressed gratitude towards Coach Smith and the coaching staff, stating,
“A year ago, you guys took a chance on a kid from New Hampshire with zero high major offers, welcoming me with open arms and allowing me to be the best version of myself on and off the court.”
His impact was immediate as he scored 26 points in his first game against Portland State and set a Stanford freshman record with 36 points in a triumphant upset against North Carolina in January, later achieving 40 points in a home game against Georgia Tech.
Notably, Okorie ranked eighth in the nation, averaging 23.2 points per game, only behind anticipated first-round draft picks AJ Dybantsa from BYU and Darius Acuff Jr. from Arkansas. He shattered the previously held freshman record in the ACC for games scoring at least 30 points, previously set by Marvin Bagley III from Duke.
Known for his ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls, Okorie also showcased an improved outside shot, finishing the season with a commendable 46.9% from beyond the arc in his last 12 games. He is expected to be a late first-round selection in the upcoming draft.
In his only season with Stanford, Okorie tallied 719 points, ranking third all-time for a Cardinal player in a season, following Adam Keefe and Chasson Randle. He capped off his Stanford career with an impressive 34-point performance against West Virginia during his final game at Stanford in Las Vegas.
Okorie was named to the first team all-ACC and received honors as an AP All-American. His averages included 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, with similar per-game achievements last seen from Ja Morant of Murray State and Jermaine Marrow of Hampton during the 2018-19 season.
