Maybe you didn’t hear much about Shawnee State center EJ Onu when he played college basketball. But that’s OK. Because it will change soon.
Onu, who will turn 22 years old just two days after draft night on Thursday, mostly flew under the radar during his time in college. He played at the NAIA level, which doesn’t often produce a pipeline to the NBA. But his play, and his massive size, makes him one the biggest (literally!) sleepers in this class.
He measured just short of 6-foot-11 at the NBA G League Elite Camp in June, also recording a massive 7-foot-8.5 wingspan (that would be tied for fourth in the NBA right now). Onu averaged 16.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game (!) while shooting 40.0 percent on 3-pointers en route to the NAIA national title this past season.
The potential draftee caught up with USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s For The Win to touch base on his journey to the pros, what he will bring an NBA organization as well as his interest in sports medicine.
Please note this interview was minorly edited in its transcript for clarity.