Most of the time Shiloh High School’s Josh Okogie finds himself the center of attention. That happens when you average 20 points and are the centerpiece of the No. 4-ranked team in the state’s largest classification.
But last spring Okogie found himself failing to get attention from many big-time programs. So in order to become more attractive to college recruiters, Okogie chose to play on an AAU team where he was not the main attraction. By taking a supporting role, he was able to better showcase his skills and increase his desirability.
The result was an offer, which he accepted, to play at Georgia Tech.
“The biggest thing for me was the (CP3 All-Stars) travel team I chose to play with,” Okogie said. “Playing with (Duke signee) Harry Giles and (UConn signee) Alterique Gilbert and (George Washington signee) Darnell Rogers, people were looking at them every game and that’s where I got a chance to showcase my talent.”
Not that the 6-foot-4 Okogie had been missing in action. He was named Gwinnett County Player of the Year in 2015 when he helped the Generals reach the Class AAAAAA semifinals. He averaged 19 points and scored 30 in a season-ending 93-90 triple-overtime loss to Wheeler.
It’s just that his effort with the AAU team lifted his profile and created more interest from schools in the power conferences. It helped him land with Georgia Tech, his school of preference all along. Okogie signed with the Yellow Jackets in November.
Georgia Tech coach Brian Gregory said, “His length, athletic ability and basketball IQ enable him to compete at all three perimeter positions. Playing on the national AUU circuit this summer, Josh demonstrated the skills to impact the game on both ends of the court.”
Gregory had gotten on Okogie’s trail early. He watched him play in the quarterfinals last year against Alpharetta and against Wheeler in the semifinals.
“He’s had an eye on me since,” Okogie said.
Once Okogie took his official visit, he was sold. He said, “I didn’t know anybody, but they treated me like family. After that visit, I still have their numbers in my phone. I could call them up and talk to them any time I want.”
The high academic standards at Georgia Tech didn’t scare him off, either. He’s a solid student who plays to major in business or engineering.
“The academic part was very attractive to me,” Okogie said. “Even though I want to take my talents on past college, I think you never know when your last game is going to be. I think a degree from Georgia Tech could take me far. Plus, you can’t beat being close to home.”
Okogie is best known as a scorer. He’s capable of stepping back and drilling shots from the outside and isn’t afraid to attack the basket.
“I’m a do-it-all type of guard,” Okogie said. “You want me to play defense, I’ll play defense. You want me to handle the ball, I’ll handle the ball. Whatever they need.”
And, if he’s needed to score, he can do that, too. He scored 28 points and had 11 rebounds against Dacula in a 30-point win that avenged a previous nine-point loss suffered 10 days earlier.
Okogie has plenty of natural ability, but he’s shown a willingness to work hard to make progress. He gets up at 5 a.m. each day and meets a trainer at the fitness center at 5:30.
“I’m from a family where if you want something, you have to earn it,” he said. “I’ve worked hard for everything I’ve earned.”
Okogie was born in Nigeria; his father is a minister, his mother is a home nurse. He’s been back one time to visit some of the relatives he’s heard so much about.
“I went back in the eighth grade and got a little taste of my extended family,” he said. “It was different. I enjoyed meeting the people.”
About the Author
