Latest news with #EfeosaOliogu-Elabor
Indianapolis Star
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Butler basketball freshman was 'putting on a show' before he got to campus, shows glimpse of what's next
INDIANAPOLIS — The play brought Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor's Canada Basketball teammates to their feet, hands on their heads in amazement at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup against Germany. Forward Onyx Nnani missed a 3-pointer from the left baseline and a crowd of players formed under the basket in anticipation of the rebound. From the far-right wing, Oliogu-Elabor flies into the paint, elevates over a German defender and palms the ball with his right hand, double clutches the ball and slams home the putback dunk with force over two defenders. The 6-foot-6 Oliogu-Elabor shined, scoring a team-high 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting, including 1 for 2 on 3s and adding 4 for 4 from the free throw line. He averaged 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for the seven-game tournament. "I didn't really expect myself to do that, but the adrenaline and all of that played into that," Oliogu-Elabor said of the highlight-reel dunk. "People have seen me dunk all the time, but in the moment, no one really expected it. I was the most calm person about it, but everyone was screaming and yelling." High-level athleticism has always been a part of Oliogu-Elabor's game. He has a physical frame and shouldn't need much time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the Big East. In Oliogu-Elabor, Gonzaga transfer Michael Ajayi and freshman Jackson Keith, the Bulldogs have a trio of physical perimeter players who can play multiple positions. Oliogu-Elabor shot well from the free throw line going 28 for 33 (84.8%), but he struggled from deep, shooting just 13.3% from 3 on 15 attempts. He will be surrounded by capable shooters, allowing him to play to his strengths, attacking in transition and getting into the paint. Insider: 3 things that stood out during Butler basketball's summer practice "I wanted to show my playmaking ability, to show that I'm not just a downhill player who likes to get to the rim," Oliogu-Elabor said. "Being able to facilitate and show my shooting ability as well." Most explosive athletes aren't plus playmakers, but Oliogu-Elabor's passing is an underrated skill. He had at least one assist in all seven games and multiple assists in five of seven. Canada went 2-1 in the group phase and defeated Mali in the round of 16 before falling to USA basketball 108-102 in the quarterfinals. Canada placed fifth, and the U.S. won gold with a 109-76 win over Germany. Team USA won its seven games by an average margin of 34.5 points. Playing the U.S. to a two-possession game shows how far Canadian basketball has come. With fellow countrymen like Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning MVP and Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard going toe-to-toe with him in the NBA Finals, Oliogu-Elabor said Canadian basketball is up and coming.
Indianapolis Star
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
ESPN analyst impressed with Butler basketball freshman's scoring, athleticism at FIBA U19 World Cup
It can sometimes be hard to gauge what an international recruit brings when enrolling in university for the first time. But Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor showcased his athleticism and scoring ability that Butler basketball hopes he brings. A freshman who will soon arrive to Butler competed in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup with his native Canada. He perhaps had his most complete game in the quarterfinals, a 108-102 loss to USA Basketball, because it wasn't just his scoring that impacted the game, but he had tournament-highs of five rebounds and five assists to go with 13 points. He averaged a Canadian-best 14.6 points across five games in the event. He paired it with 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. The 6-foot-6 wing showcased his athleticism with several highlight-reel dunks. He was 23 for 50 (46%) for the tournament but needs to develop a perimeter shot as he was 2 for 13 (15.4%) on 3-pointers. Insider: 3 things that stood out during Butler basketball's summer practice Oliogu-Elabor was part of a recruiting class that ranked 20th by 247Sports and On3. He was a three-star recruit per 247Sports and four stars by On3 out of William Academy in Toronto, Ontario. And known ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla, who specializes on international scouting and frequently calls Big 12 games, was impressed: "@ButlerMBB got a very good one in 6-6 Efeosa Oliogu. Has taken it to USA in the paint. Impressive freshman. Oliogu impressed in his final group stage game against Germany. He scored his high for the tournament, 21 points, on 8-of-10 shooting and was 4 for 4 at the free-throw line. Though, unfortunately for him, it didn't translate as Canada lost 104-88.
Indianapolis Star
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Butler basketball freshman to represent his country at FIBA Under-19 World Cup
INDIANAPOLIS — Butler basketball freshman Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor was absent from Thursday's practice for a very good reason. The Markham, Ontario native returned to Canada to play for Team Canada in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland. The tournament runs from June 28 to July 6. Training for the national team began June 15 and ran through June 19. Team Canada played exhibitions in France in preparation for the World Cup. Oliogu-Elabor spent his final prep season at William Academy in Toronto, averaging 22.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.5 steals per game during the 2024-25 season. He won a bronze medal at the FIBA U18 Men's AmeriCup 2024 last summer. In addition to his experience playing for Team Canada, Oliogu-Elabor also played the 2023-24 season with Overtime Elite, averaging 8.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game for the City Reapers, who won the OTE championship. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
