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Texas Tech Basketball: Analyzing 3 qualities that make Kevin Obanor special

By Austin Massey

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Kevin Obanor Texas Tech Basketbal (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Kevin Obanor Texas Tech Basketbal (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Rebounding

Since 1996, Texas Tech has not had a player register more than eight rebounds per game for the season. With Obanor now on board, expect that to change.

For being considered an elite offensive forward, Kevin Obanor isn’t scared to box out and get rebounds. Obanor was able to pull in 9.6 rebounds per game last season which ranked in the top-30 nationally. For perspective, Illinois star big man Kofi Cockburn averaged 9.5 rebounds per game last season. For anyone skeptical of Obanors strength of schedule, his rebounding stats against power-5 teams are actually more impressive:

  • Vs Flordia – 11 rebounds
  • Vs Ohio State – 11 rebounds
  • Vs Arkansas – 11 rebounds
  • Vs Arkansas – 10 rebounds
  • Vs Oklahoma – 8 rebounds
  • Vs Oklahoma St – 12 rebounds
  • Vs Mizzou – 9 rebounds

Average = 10.3 reb/game 

Obanor uses his strength and heavier frame to box out taller opponents and he’s certainly not scared to get physical when needed. He’s not the greatest athlete but makes up for a lack of elite athleticism with a high basketball IQ. The way that Obanor positions himself lower than his opponents when boxing out allows him to create leverage and deter larger-bodied guys.

In the last two seasons, Texas Tech has struggled significantly in the rebounding category often getting dominated in both offensive rebounding and defensive rebounding. You can expect Kevin Obanor to help turn this around for the Red Raiders and his impact will be felt regardless of how he’s performing offensively.

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