Obekpa posted a picture on his Instagram account of a guy in a cowboy hat wearing a UNLV belt buckle with the caption “REBIRTH” which was the first indication that UNLV was his choice but since then many different sources have reported that Obekpa did in fact make his choice.
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St. John’s transfer Chris Obekpa has announced his commitment to UNLV. The 6-foot-10 center will have to sit out next season and will only have one year of eligibility remaining thereafter.
It’s a long unusual trip for Obekpa, who went to Our Savior New American High School on Long Island like his teammate, senior Felix Balamou.
Obekpa will transfer to UNLV, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reports. Will Obekpa become a mature, reliable force for the Runnin’ Rebels? Regardless of Mullen’s history in the National Basketball Association and college game, transfers are common when a new coach is hired.
“It was a great three years of growing here at St. John’s”, Obekpa said when he left the program. His lasting impression with the Red Storm, unfortunately, was being suspended for the NCAA Tournament for allegedly smoking marijuana. In 30 games last season, he averaged 5.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game.
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But Obekpa didn’t start 24 games last season because of his offense. He provided a defensive backbone during his time at St. Johns and he’ll likely do more of the same once he’s eligible to play in another year. Obekpa will be a nice addition for the Runnin’ Rebels in 2016 as he is a premier rim protector and those are not very easy to find.
