After spending a year mostly on the bench, Emmanuel Ogbole is gearing up to make a big splash in the Big Ten as a starting center for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the 2024-25 season now that Clifford Omoruyi has gone. But before he arrived at Rutgers, the no. 21’s journey had some serious twists and turns.

When you look at Ogbole, it’s hard not to notice his 6-foot-10 exterior, which brings the natural athleticism. Hailing from Aune-Adoka, Nigeria, this 21-year-old hooper can dominate in the paint, but it wasn’t always like this. 

His story begins in Nigeria, where he didn’t play basketball until 17. The Rutgers junior had initially been into football and even entertained the idea of playing American football. However, something about basketball clicked when he attended the Giants of Africa camp hosted by NBA exec Masai Ujiri in 2018.

“I wasn’t really good. I just had the size and everything,” he recalled. “I didn’t really have much skill. All I could do was dunk the ball and maybe give a few passes.” But in camp, he saw ‘what you could achieve through basketball.’ And once he started hooping, there was no turning back.

He played high school ball at Excel Model Secondary School, though his stats from high school aren’t widely available. However, his rise to prominence occurred at Monroe College in New York. In the 2022-23 season, the center averaged 12.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. 

His efficiency is even more impressive, as he shot 69.3% from the field, ranking him 6th nationally in junior college. But he didn’t just bring it on offense; he was also a defensive force, blocking 2.0 shots per game and leading the Mustangs in blocks, helping them achieve a 28-4 record and clinch the East District Championship.

After an amazing junior college career, Emmanuel Ogbole had options. High-level programs like Kansas and Texas Tech were interested, but ultimately, he chose Rutgers over Seton Hall. 

“I saw the chemistry the team had,” he shared. “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.”

He committed to the Scarlet Knights, and in his first season in 2023-24, he didn’t see much action on the court, playing only 8.1 minutes per game, averaging 2.1 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. However, looks like the 2024-25 season will be his to shine. 

Emmanuel Ogbole to step up big in 2024-25

Ogbole used the off-season to work on his skills and his body. During the offseason, he worked relentlessly, shedding body fat to just 6% and improving his overall game. “I just tried to stay focused and work more with my coaches so I could understand the game better,” Ogbole said. 

The results were clear as he came into the 2024-25 season more physically prepared. Now, with Rutgers losing star Clifford Omoruyi, the junior is primed for a bigger role. He’ll be on the court with rising stars like Dylan Harper to make the team shine this season. Coach Steve Pikiell didn’t look to the transfer portal for a new center but trusted Emmanuel Ogbole to step up.

Omoruyi’s departure opens the door for Ogbole to step in as the starting center. While the 21-year-old is still developing, it’s clear that he has the size, talent, and experience to take on a leadership role for the Scarlet Knights, stocking his NBA Draft.