The Auburn basketball program received a boost this week with the commitment of former junior college standout Emeka Opurum, who will join the team for the upcoming season.
After an impressive run to the Final Four last season, Auburn faces the challenge of replacing a senior-heavy roster, including key big men Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell. Opurum is expected to help fill that void.
Originally from Nigeria, the seven-footer came to the U.S. last year and played one season at Butler Community College in Kansas. He averaged 9.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference.
Opurum recently visited Auburn and ultimately chose the Tigers over programs like St. John’s, George Mason, Indiana, and Iowa. He cited the people involved in the program and head coach Bruce Pearl’s track record of developing big men—such as Walker Kessler and Johni Broome—as major influences in his decision.
“I saw the kind of development those guys got and I believe I can get there too,” Opurum told Auburn Undercover. “I know I have work to do, especially in the weight room, but I’m ready to take it one step at a time.”
He joins KeyShawn Murphy, a transfer from Mississippi State, and Keyshawn Hall, formerly of UCF, as the newest additions to the Tigers’ roster.
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