Okpara is a true rim protector and paint anchor who knows where his bread is buttered on the floor. Okpara was a top-75 recruit who was in Ohio State’s rotation from Day One and earned the starting center gig by the end of the year. He started all 35 games for the Buckeyes as a sophomore before transferring to Tennessee where he was a two-year starter under Rick Barnes. Okpara was a reliable lynchpin for a Tennessee club that advanced to back-to-back Elite Eights.
About
2025-26 SEC All-Defensive team selection.
One of four players in Tennessee’s history to notch two 50-block seasons, alongside Kyle Alexander, C.J. Black and Grant Williams.
Ranked second in Tennessee basketball history, averaging 1.59 blocks per game.
Strengths
Sturdy frame after multiple years in a high-major strength and conditioning program. Okpara is well-conditioned for a big man and owns a cut 237-pound frame to go along with rock-solid measurables, including a 7-2 wingspan and a 9-4 standing reach.
Defensive versatility is obvious. Can play in passive or aggressive defensive coverages. Was asked to play mostly drop coverage at Ohio State before pivoting to Tennessee where he blitzed or hedged pick-and-rolls more often. Has the mobility to hang on the perimeter and also protect the paint. Very good, but not special, rim protector.
Real-deal lob threat and offensive rebounder. Smashed 69 dunks last season and has a massive catch radius around the rim.
Weaknesses
Touch around the basket leaves a lot to be desired. Shot just 50% on layups and is a non-factor as a post-up hub. No NBA team is going to throw it to Okpara on the block, but the lack of touch in the middle of the floor is a limiting factor in his pick-and-roll utility.
Has never developed much as a decision-maker. Tennessee trusted other bigs to make reads more often, preferring Okpara to loom in the dunker spot. Okpara notched multiple assists in just 11 of his 143 career games and never posted an assist rate north of 5.0.
He is more than up to the challenge physically and craves a good fistfight, but he can be a little rickety against quick-twitch guards.
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