David Ogunleye is young in age yet already wise in his decision-making. He knows what he wants and the values he embraces lead to inserting himself into positive opportunities. Two years ago after completing high school, he made the choice to leave his hometown of Houston and come west to play for Chabot College Coach Keenan McMiller. Now he is moving on to the Tampa area to play for University of South Florida Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, the brother of former Cal Bear great and 13-year NBA veteran Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
At 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds, Ogunleye started every game for the Gladiators this season and averaged 8.6 points (shooting 62%), 6.5 rebounds (196 total, 78 offensive) and 1.6 blocked shots in just under 24 minutes a game as Chabot finished 21-9 overall, 13-1 in the Coast-North Conference.
Going Up Against the National Champion
So what sold him on South Florida, a member of the American Athletic Conference alongside national champion Connecticut, Southern Methodist, Cincinnati, Temple and others?
"It was the same factors offered by (Chabot Coach) Keenan McMiller -- a culture based on building character, not just as basketball players but also as young men, plus the development of individuals into a cohesive team."
Of Ogunleye, McMiller said, "I am very humbled and appreciative of David and his family for taking a chance and in trusting us here at Chabot College. David arrived at Chabot at 260 pounds and is now at 225. Since Day One, David has always been coachable and now has developed a consistent quality work ethic by living in the weight room and developing his skills on the court.
David completed his academic load here at Chabot in two years with a 3.3 grade point average and a Liberal Arts A.A. Degree. During the recruiting process, David was courted by over 30 different four-year universities and colleges. As far as Division 1 programs on his list David was recruited by Montana State, CSU Bakersfield, Lamar, Jacksonville State, Tulsa, Fairfield, Bryant, Idaho, Bethune Cookman and Grambling State.
Coach Amir is getting a great young man with tremendous potential and a humble, great attitude. David is hungry to be the best he can be at South Florida University. The Chabot College community will be supporting and rooting for David!"
Ogunleye officially visited South Florida in the beginning of June. He prepared by talking with former players. One question he posed to all was asking who Abdur-Rahim is as a person. "I learned he is building a family here and that he is a great coach." During a breakfast get-together, Ogunleye and Abdur-Rahim became so involved in their mutual conversation that the actual offering of Ogunleye needed to be made fully tangible. "I thought it had been implied but not spoken," Ogunleye said, "so Coach made it clear by telling me, 'we would like you here.'"
In the confluence of thanking those for their help along the way and naming his hoops influencers, he offered, "My parents are #1 because my happiness has always been their top priority and I never felt any pressure." Plus, "my younger brother Job" (who will play at Chabot this season). "In high school, I wasn't sure I wanted to keep playing but meeting Keenan and his offering the chance to move to a new state to play college ball got my interest back. Keenan was always willing to help out with anything. I enjoy the game on a different level and jumped at the chance to be part of a new basketball family."
What's fascinating in Ogunleye's case is he didn't grow up flattered by offers, calls, texts and the like. "I didn't realize I could land a scholarship until my senior year. My high school coach didn't push it."
He added, "I'll play as a five but I'm not a typical or traditional five. I'm keyed in on improving as a player by enhancing my shooting and ballhandling skills."
Regarding leadership, "I lead by example with my actions. Leadership is a matter of getting to know one another, trusting each other and developing a bond."
Ogunleye will major in business and finance.
Anyone who makes good choices in life is likely to be successful in life. The odds favor it. So keep checking on David Ogunleye.
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