Kansas State Basketball has made a significant acquisition with the addition of former Kentucky Wildcat Ugonna Onyenso. The seven-footer from Nigeria, who spent the past two seasons with the Wildcats under former head coach John Calipari, announced his move to Kansas State via social media on Tuesday.
Onyenso, a former top-40 recruit, brings solid statistics, averaging 3.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 2.8 BPG last season, starting in 14 of 24 games. Despite missing the first month of the 2023-24 season due to a foot injury, he withdrew his name from the NBA Draft in May, according to Cameron Drummond of the Lexington Herald-Leader.
His addition to the Wildcats’ roster, which features a revamped lineup with seven transfers, immediately bolsters their defense with elite rim protection. Onyenso boasted a 14.3% block rate last season, as reported by College Basketball Scouting, showcasing his ability to thwart opponents’ scoring attempts near the basket.
With his towering 7-foot-5 wingspan and natural athleticism, Onyenso not only excels defensively but also contributes as an offensive rebounder and rim-runner, making him a multifaceted threat.
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Teaming up Onyenso with Samford transfer Achor Achor, another adept shot blocker who averaged 16.1 PPG and 6.1 RPG last season, fortifies Kansas State’s frontcourt, ensuring their competitiveness in the tough Big 12 conference.
Moreover, the addition of Arkansas transfer Baye Fall, alongside returning players like David N’Guessman and other transfer portal acquisitions, sets the stage for an exciting season under the leadership of head coach Jerome Tang. With the likes of Michigan transfer Dug McDaniel expected to lead the team, the Wildcats are poised to make a significant impact in the Big 12 conference when the 2024-25 college basketball season commences in November.
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