Thank You 'Big O': Onyeka Okongwu Declares for NBA Draft

3/25/2020

In his freshman season, Onyeka Okongwu averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. He broke the USC freshman blocks record and was named onto the Pac-12's All-Conference First Team and All-Freshman Team.

Projected by most NBA draft analysts as a lottery pick, Okongwu signed with an agent this week to enter the 2020 NBA Draft and penned a goodbye letter to the Trojan Family:

What a ride it’s been my first year at USC. My freshman campaign at the school has been nothing short of spectacular. To Coach Enfield, Hart, Capko and Mobley, I want to thank you for letting a kid from Chino into your program. To my brothers on the team, the love and bond I have for you guys is real and it’s something I will always keep close to me. I want to thank the Trojan Family for the unconditional support this year. To the fans at Galen, thank you for the consistent love and support every time I stepped on the court.

However, all good things must come to an end. I want to take the next step when the opportunity presents itself. With careful consideration, I am announcing that I am declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft. I appreciate everyone who has helped me get to this point.

To my family for the nonstop support: this one goes to you! All love. Continue to be with me throughout this journey. Let’s thank God for what he’s done so far and continue to glory him. To everyone who’s on my side, I continue to thank you too.

Forever grateful,