Alex Oriakhi
Alex Oriakhi | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 21, 1990 United States |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player |
| Years active | 2010–2022 |
| Known for | Starting center for the Connecticut Huskies during their 2010–11 NCAA championship season; drafted 57th overall in the 2013 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns |
Alex Oriakhi Jr. (pronounced "Or-e-ah-ki"; born June 21, 1990) is a former American professional basketball athlete. He served as the starting center for the Connecticut Huskies during their 2010–11 NCAA championship season. For his senior year, Oriakhi transferred to the University of Missouri and was later chosen 57th overall in the 2013 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns.
Early life
Oriakhi’s basketball journey began at the Fessenden School in West Newton, Massachusetts, followed by time at Brooks School, and then at the Tilton School in New Hampshire. In his final high school year, he received accolades including selection as a McDonald's All-American, second-team Parade All-American, and was named New Hampshire’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
Rated as a five-star prospect by Rivals.com, Oriakhi was ranked the No. 3 center and No. 21 overall player nationally in 2009. He committed to the University of Connecticut to compete under Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun.
College career
During his freshman year, Oriakhi started most games, posting averages of 5.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, which earned him a place on the Big East Conference all-rookie team. His sophomore campaign saw him boost his statistics to 9.9 points, 8.7 rebounds (ranking second in the Big East), and 1.6 blocks per game (seventh in the conference), playing a pivotal role in Connecticut’s victories in both the 2011 Big East tournament and NCAA championship. However, his junior year featured decreased playing time and output, with averages dropping to 6.7 points and 4.8 rebounds, partly due to freshman Andre Drummond joining the roster.
After Connecticut faced a postseason ban in 2013, Oriakhi declared his intention to transfer and was granted immediate eligibility for the 2012–13 season. He moved to Missouri, where over 34 games he averaged 11.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks.
2013–14 season
The Phoenix Suns selected Oriakhi with the 57th pick in the 2013 NBA draft. Following his participation in their Summer League squad, he signed with France’s LNB Pro A team Limoges CSP in August 2013 but parted ways after just six games. Subsequently, he joined Israeli club Hapoel Holon in November before returning stateside in December.
On December 19, 2013, Oriakhi signed with the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League. He was later traded to the Sioux Falls Skyforce on February 8, 2014, and concluded the season earning NBA D-League All-Rookie first team honors.
2014–15 season
Oriakhi’s rights were traded to the Sacramento Kings on July 12, 2014, in exchange for Isaiah Thomas. Following this transaction, he contributed to the Kings’ triumph at the 2014 NBA Summer League held in Las Vegas. On September 20, 2014, he inked a deal with Lithuanian outfit Pieno Žvaigždės for that season.
2015–16 season
In July 2015, Oriakhi returned to participate with the Sacramento Kings during the NBA Summer League. Shortly thereafter, on August 10, he signed with Italian Serie A team Orlandina Basket for the upcoming season, where he averaged 8.5 points alongside 8.8 rebounds across 30 appearances.
On May 14, 2016, Oriakhi secured a contract with Venezuelan side Bucaneros de La Guaira competing in the Liga Profesional de Baloncesto. He made an impactful debut by recording 16 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and blocking four shots during an 86–71 victory over Cocodrilos de Caracas.
2016–17 season
On July 22, 2016, Oriakhi secured a contract with Socar Petkim, a team competing in the Turkish Basketball First League. He participated in ten matches before his departure from the club. Subsequently, on January 7, 2017, he signed with Garzas de Plata, a Mexican squad in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional. Later that season, on April 12, 2017, Oriakhi joined Vaqueros de Bayamón, a franchise in Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional.
2017–18 season
Oriakhi became a member of Fuerza Regia on January 26, 2018. This team plays in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP), which represents the highest level of professional basketball in Mexico.
2021–22 season
On June 3, 2021, Oriakhi signed with Depiro Rabat Imtarfa to compete in Malta’s Division One Basketball league.