UNLV gambles by offering a second chance to Chris Obekpa
Whether it’s adding Jelan Kendrick after he was dismissed from Memphis or Bryce Dejean-Jones after he encountered trouble at USC, UNLV coach Dave Rice has often shown the willingness to take a chance on a high-risk transfer.
Rice did it again Wednesday when he gambled on a talented shot blocker with a history of off-the-court problems.
Ex-St. John’s defensive standout Chris Obekpa, the nation’s fifth-leading shot blocker last season, revealed he will transfer to UNLV. The 6-foot-10 center will have to sit out next season and will only have one year of eligibility remaining thereafter.
Obekpa averaged six points and seven rebounds last season and blocked at least 2.9 shots per game in each of his three seasons at St. John’s, but he also earned a reputation for not being reliable.
He was suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules prior to the Johnnies’ opening-round NCAA tournament loss to San Diego State last March. He showed a lack of poise in getting ejected for flagrant fouls last season against Fordham and Butler. The previous spring, he announced his intent to transfer from St. John’s only to change his mind two weeks later.
What Rice has to hope is that a change of scenery will help Obekpa — even one to a city as rife with distractions as Las Vegas. Obekpa will have to stay out of trouble for more than a full year before he’ll even be able to contribute on the floor.
If Obekpa can achieve that, he can certainly be an asset for the Rebels. He’ll join a frontcourt that could also include fellow shot blocker Goodluck Okonoboh, Oregon transfer Ben Carter and elite incoming freshman Stephen Zimmerman.
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Jeff Eisenberg is the editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
