Recruiting Report: Laolu Oke (2018)
Six-foot-5 senior forward Laolu Oke of Overland is hearing from an assortment of schools in the upper Midwest and ready for his senior season.
“This off-season I played AAU with The Force during the spring and then I had to make a change to the Colorado Hawks to finish off my summer,” Oke said. “I worked with my high school team a lot focusing more on strength and conditioning.
“I don’t think I played very well my junior year, I felt like I could’ve helped out my team much more but I’ll be looking forward to contributing much more this upcoming season.”
Laolu was a top rebounder for his Overland team last year but is trying to work on being more of a point producer.
“Since last year my biggest focus was working on my post game and being consistent,” Oke explained. “Not very many teams have a legit back to the basket big so I plan on using that to my advantage.”
How good will Overland be this year? Goy Wang, Daijon Smith, and Tucson Redding are all back joining Oke as seniors plus junior Stephen Hayes will be a key player.
“We have the majority of the team coming back including four seniors so that’s a plus for us already having the chemistry,” Oke explained. “We expect to do big things this year being one of the top teams and contending for the state title.”
What does Laolu want to give his team this winter? Consistency in paint numbers.
“I plan on averaging a double-double in points and rebounds and be named to all Centennial First Team at the end of the season. Team wise we plan on playing in the state championship game come March.”
Schools from the upper Midwest have been in regular contact with Oke.
“I have been contacted from Metro State, Augustana, Sioux Falls, Hamline University, UW- Eau Claire, and some others,” Oke stated.