Leading the Explorers as he’s done throughout the year was Okebata, as the powerful and explosive swingman used his instincts and physical gifts to make a downhill impact around the rim. Okebata was effective playing off of 2 feet, showing off his strength and athleticism while taking on contact for a handful of finishes in traffic. He shined on the defensive end as well, getting his hands on a handful of loose balls while showing impressive ability to level out and keep his chest in between the ball and the rim. There’s still progress to be made with his ballhandling and shooting consistency, but Okebata’s ability to thrive on the margins with his unique athletic makeup should give him a chance to garner D1 attention throughout the spring and summer.

The game-to-game leader of an otherwised balanced La Salle group, Okebata struggled with first half foul trouble that limited him statistically but still managed to leave his mark on the game. He stands out immediately with a clear D1 look, possessing a strong blend of strength, length, quickness, and explosiveness. Okebata stayed engaged in the game despite limited minutes, using his body to apply pressure defensively and on catches near the rim as a cutter while also being the first to a number of loose balls on both ends of the floor. His ability to scale up the positional spectrum while also sliding his feet with smaller players offer a glimpse into the type of versatility he brings that could present D1 appeal moving forward.

Okebata is a physical downhill thumper who can play a plethora of positions. Whenever he has the ball in his hands there is a chance he can make loud play. He uses his strong build to bully his way past defenders and seek out contact. He is an assertive defender who applies good ball pressure which can lead to turnovers. He scored 20 points in an overtime win over La Salle (RI). One thing I want to see Okebata improve on is his consistency from behind the arc. He is a prospect who should garner interest from northeast low majors.

Coming off a fantastic spring grassroots circuit, Okebata has become one of the biggest stock risers in Pennsylvania. His improved dribble drive skills have turned Okebata into a more well-rounded prospect. Recently Okebata proved he could pilot the fast break, blow past defenders in the half-court, and use his dribbles to create space for a 3-point attempt. Plus, Okebata still bullied defenders in the mid-range as well as on the interior. The combination of Okebata’s physicality, athleticism, power, aggressive nature, and skills make him a half-court match-up nightmare. Okebata is also a solid open court threat. On defense, Okebata is a plus player with extraordinary switch-ability.

he improvement in Okebata’s ball handling skills has elevated his game to the next level. Okebata will still bully defenders in the mid-range or on the interior with his physicality, athleticism, power, and aggressive nature. But this spring he proved he can also blow past defenders off the dribble and get to the rack for a lay-in or dunk. Plus, Okebata displayed the ability to use his dribble moves to create space for a 3-point shot. Okebata’s before mentioned physical assets combined with his speed make him a serious open court threat as a ball handler or lane filler. In both roles Okebata will cap a fast break with a flush. At the other end of the court, Okebata continued to show that he can guard 2 through 5.     

Okebata established himself as one of the top 2027s in the PCL on opening night of the 2024-25 season when he exploded for 25 points (5 threes) and hauled in 5 rebounds. The momentum from a tremendous sophomore campaign served as a springboard for an impressive April on the grassroots circuit. At the War on the Shore, Okebata will be running with Philly Pride UAA where his three-point shooting and open court skills should impress college coaches. Along the arc, Okebata is a highly accurate spot up shooter. Additionally, he is a master at using a pump fake followed by a side dribble to find an open shot. Okebata’s athleticism, speed and solid frame enable him to get buckets on the fast break despite contact.    

Making his debut on the circuit level with his new team, Okebata wasted no time getting acclimated while contributing across the board as the Shoreshots put on a dominant display in a season-opening blowout win. Having filled out notably and tacked on several inches to his frame in the past year, the young rising junior was effective largely by virtue of his athleticism and natural two-way instincts. Okebata was a regular around the rim as a strong and explosive finisher off cuts or runouts, while also using his strength and leaping ability to make plays defensively and help clean the glass. The potential is apparent with Okebata as he continues to refine his skillset, with the things he already brings to the floor being inherently difficult to teach and his best basketball still clearly ahead of him coming off his first year of varsity experience.

A JV player as a freshman, Okebata stepped onto the varsity this year and made an immediate impact for a feisty LaSalle group. He impacts games consistently with his sheer length and dynamic athleticism, with ability to score both going downhill and spacing out to the perimeter. His highest upside most likely lies on the defensive end, where he already racks up steals and deflections from the backcourt. Okebata is one we look forward to getting more of a look at this spring.

One of the standout performers from this year’s Comp Fall League has used that momentum to produce a fast start to his 2024-25 season. In La Salle’s home opener, Okebata poured in 25 points and snatched 5 rebounds. 15 of those points came from behind the arc as Okebata shot 5 for 7 on threes. His ability to use a pump fake followed by a side dribble to find an open shot is impressive. This athletic guard with respectable handles also scored in transition and attacked the hoop off dribble drives.  

With talented guard prospects like Okebata running on the perimeter, LaSalle could be headed for a breakthrough season in the PCL. Okebata is a lights-out spot up shooter with deep range. Once he has knocked home a couple of threes, Okebata will use a head fake, then put the ball on the floor and get to the cup. In close, Okebata can finish with either hand. His ability to absorb contact at the rim and still convert is impressive. This athletic and fast guard can also score and distribute in transition.