Alumni Profile: Emeka Okafor

Team: New Orleans Hornets

Position: Center/Power Forward

NBA Ranking: 48

Looking back: Emeka signed a large extension with the Bobcats entering the season and had a productive year. His numbers are consistent and he is a double-double machine, as well as a defensive stalwart. He was able to cut down on his turnovers and shoot better from the stripe, but his team was an utter disappointment. During the off-season Emeka was traded to the Hornets.

The Good: Okafor is an all around basketball player. He can rebound, block, has all the post moves, and isn’t afraid of contact. He is as reliable a player as any UConn Alumni, averaging a double-double. He brings it every game. He has improved his mid-ranged game, but it isn’t a major staple of his offense.

The Bad: He is too small to play the true center position and not athletic enough to play the power forward spot. Forever compared to Dwight Howard, Emeka will never reach that level and many feel that he is a bust as a pick, which is an unfair assessment. He hasn’t produced into a twenty point scorer which is what most fans look for in their superstars.

Looking Ahead: He’s on a more talented squad and with an All-Star point guard, Okafor should have a better season. He needs to remain healthy and produce a little more on the offensive end. There will be a lot of pressure on him to contribute on a team that is expected to make the Playoffs.