Onyejiaka, a two-way force for the Newman School, has continued to elevate his game this spring while running with Team New England Basketball Club. Few prospects in the country can match his comination of size and strength, which he uses to dominate games in the paint on both ends of the floor. He’s a terrific rim-runner, rebounds at a high rate in traffic, and is a plus rim protector on the ball and from the help side. In the last few weeks alone, the nationally ranked prospect has picked up interest from Georgetown, Indiana, Texas, and UConn.

After bursting onto the scene last year in the middle of a high-powered Newman attack, Onyejiaka built mightily on an already-strong foundation with consistent improvement and loud productivity over the course of the year. As dominant a two-way paint presence as there is in New England, he’s a true sledgehammer with his emphatic shot-blocking and rim onslaughts. Where he’s shown the most improvement is in his ability to operate as a scorer with his back to the basket and as a decisionmaker facing the rim. He’ll never be the most skilled big, but it doesn’t take much watching to see why high-majors have already begun prioritizing Onyejiaka heading into the spring.

I’m simply so impressed by Onyejiaka’s rim protection. It’s not just that he’s big and athletic (which he certainly is), but he has everything else a shot blocker needs. His timing is supreme, and he does such a good job reading the offense and figuring out where he should be in terms of help side defense. In my opinion, he’s ready right now to be a D1 rim protector, and he’s only a junior in high school. The sky’s the limit for Onyejiaka, who has tons of time to further develop his offensive skill set.  

It was another weekend of dominant defensive play for Onyejiaka, who’s one of the best rim protecting bigs I’ve seen at the high-school level. He has excellent strength, which allows him to hold his ground against other bigs, but he’s also a very solid leaper which allows him to contest basically anything that enters the paint. He brings it all together with excellent positioning and shot-blocking instincts. I was also impressed with Onyejiaka’s ability to carve out space in the post and finish with both hands on some little turn-around shots. Another year of improvement in the quickness and agility areas would serve him quite well at the next level.

I was impressed with his improved footwork from a year ago. He has really worked on his post moves, agility and soft touches finishing at the rim. He even worked on his body leaning out but still keeping his strength. If he continues to work on his body and skill development he will have a great career at the next level.

Onyejiaka is one of the best rim protectors I’ve seen in New England. Not only is he 6’11 and impossible to move from his spot, but he’s got long arms and excellent timing on the defensive end. He pairs that with fantastic leaping ability for his size. Offensively, he sets solid screens and attacks the offensive glass with reckless abandon, but he’s still learning how to operate in the post and finish with touch. His athletic tools alone will earn him a slew of high major offers, and rightfully so.

Onyejiaka had a nose for making highlight plays on both ends of the floor. He has great timing which allows him to alter shots in an effective man. He showcased his ability to finish inside and is a real threat from the dunker spots. His 16 rebounds made him a menace on the glass. Onyejiaka was efficient with his offensive production, he is very good at staying within himself and continues to go with what works. He continues to progress as time goes on.