Olden’s unique story
Every now and then you get to hear about a unique story. Shawn Olden certainly has a one of a kind story. In high school at Union, Olden had zero Division I scholarships in April. A late offer from Pepperdine…
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Continue ReadingEvery now and then you get to hear about a unique story. Shawn Olden certainly has a one of a kind story. In high school at Union, Olden had zero Division I scholarships in April.
A late offer from Pepperdine was extended to Olden, which landed him with the Waves. In his first season at Pepperdine, Olden was a huge surprise producing right away.
Olden averaged 9.2 points and 2.4 rebounds as a freshman at Pepperdine. What followed was a tragic ankle injury heading into his sophomore season. A player that showed so much promise, Olden was sidelined for his entire sophomore season at Pepperdine causing him to redshirt.
“Once I had surgery it was at my lowest point,” said Olden. “I would stay up all night thinking if I would ever be the same. Especially with not ever really experiencing a major injury I had no clue what to expect. So to return to the game I love and still continue to get better has been a tremendous blessing.”
Olden would get his chance, but not at Pepperdine. He transferred following his redshirt sophomore year to New Mexico Junior College. The opportunity in front of Olden at New Mexico was to show his talents to Division I programs across the country that he can help them right away.
Olden has done northing short of dominate this season at New Mexico Junior College. Olden is showing off his scoring talents at 6’3 as a combo guard. This year Olden is averaging 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. The success on the court for Olden has always been more than just his skill set.
“That chip will never go anywhere,” said Olden. “A lot that didn’t know the high school me think it’s always been this way for me, they don’t know I was underrated and only had Pepperdine out of high school. I had no stars next to my name. The chip on my shoulder is definitely the reason I play the way I do. I love playing with the odds against me. It will never change.”
Olden has battled the odds again when he transferred from Pepperdine to New Mexico Junior College after his ankle injury. So many players get lost in the shuffle when they transfer. However, the numbers speak for themselves, Olden is dominating.
Schools across the country has taken notice of the season Olden is having at New Mexico Junior College. He currently holds 11 Division I offers.
“I’ve been working on my top schools list recently,” said Olden. “I’ll be releasing it soon. I’ve had a lot of time to really watch all schools and build relationships with coaches, and figure out what situation fits me the best. With only having 2 years left I want to get to a school that I can impact right away. Having a staff that believes in me and what I bring to the team is big. Playing in the right system with a style of play that I can thrive in.”
Olden is fully healthy and back better than ever. He has been very pleased with how his ankle has responded from his injury.
“It’s been a blessing from God,” said Olden.
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