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Chris Obekpa Set to Join UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

By Chris Godfrey

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Former St. John’s Red Storm center Chris Obekpa is leaving the bright lights of New York City, and heading for the glitz and glamour of the Vegas strip. After spending three years in Queens under the tutelage of Steve Lavin, Obekpa has decided to finish his collegiate career with the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels.

Obekpa was a defensive anchor for Lavin during his three years as the team’s starting center, establishing himself as one of the best shot-blockers in the country in the process. He’s probably best known, however, for his preference for wearing John Stockton-styled short shorts.

Rumors of Obekpa’s discontent first surfaced during last year’s offseason. Obekpa initially made a decision to leave the program before ultimately being persuaded by Lavin to stay for his junior year. Though Obekpa failed to make a jump towards being an NBA-caliber big man, he was able to help his team find their way back to the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, Obekpa wasn’t on the court during the Big Dance. A failed drug test and subsequent suspension kept him off the floor, essentially crippling the Johnnies’ chances of advancing.

The ordeal would later reveal itself to be the beginning of the end for both Lavin and Obekpa’s stay at the university. Lavin’s penchant for bringing in problematic talents was a key factor in his eventual dismissal. As for Obekpa, sources have speculated that the rigidness of the Red Storm’s new regime under rookie coach Chris Mullin was the reason for Obekpa’s transfer. Under Lavin, Obekpa was often left to his own devices, and all indications are that the lax culture within the program will be changing with Mullin at the helm.

Despite the questionable events leading to his departure and a history of being difficult with his coaches, Obekpa has steered clear of any major issues that would truly raise questions as to whether or not he should be brought into a program. On the floor, he has been a consistent standout, and is only a few strides of offensive development away from being an NBA prospect.

At UNLV, Obekpa will sit out this season before joining a loaded 2016-2017 roster. He’ll be joined by Goodluck Okonoboh in the frontcourt as he’ll likely replace center Stephen Zimmerman, the McDonald’s All-American and likely one-and-done prospect that will suit up for the Rebels this season. Freshman to be Derrick Morgan, and Class of 2016 signee Justin Jackson will also be integral parts of the lineup that Obekpa will join when he is finally eligible.

If Obekpa can stay on the court and out of the doghouse, he could be a crucial piece in the Rebs’ resurgence out west.

Next: Jaylen Fisher Top Target for Memphis

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