By Adam Baliatico
Coming from Brooklyn, New York, Femi Odukale is well versed in what Seton Hall has to offer and the success that they have had with New York City guards. That is why when Seton Hall assistant coach Duane Woodward offered him a scholarship back in January, the Pirates instantly jumped into contention for the rapidly rising guard. Odukale, a 6’5 combo guard, is currently doing a prep year at Commonwealth Academy in Massachusetts. We caught up with the talented player to discuss Seton Hall as well as his overall recruitment.
The offer from Woodward came back on January 20th, after Woodward watched Odukale go off for 21 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals in a showcase game at the NY Lightning Invitational.
“Coach Woodward has been recruiting me for awhile,” Odukale told Piratecrew. “He offered me back on the 20th and told me that he thinks I will be a good fit for Seton Hall and that I could be an impact freshman.”
Landing the Seton Hall offer was big for Odukale for a couple of reasons.
“I know Seton Hall has a lot of good guards in previous years that are capable of making tough shots,” he said. “The offer from Seton Hall means a lot to me because it means I could play next to home.”
Another driving force for Seton Hall is the recent success they have had with New York City guards.
“It would mean a lot because I will have to step in and work even harder to continue that legacy,” he added. “The success on the court means a lot as well because it shows that the coaches and players are able to come together and win games.”
Odukale, whose recruitment was quiet until mid-January, has received offers from UMass, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, Washington State and New Mexico since then. He has also taken official visits to UMass (1/24) and Pittsburgh (2/21) and has an official visit lined up to Seton Hall (3/4). Last year, he took an official visit to St. Bonaventure, his first scholarship offer, on 11/8.
Odukale is looking forward to his March 3rd visit to Seton Hall and currently has no other trips planned. As of now, he is still open to all schools and has not narrowed down his list. However, he has used 3 of his 5 OVs with a 4th scheduled to SHU.
Regarding a timeline for his decision, he is hoping to make a decision after March Madness.
“I am going to decide after March Madness,” he said. “I am looking for a family atmosphere and a school and university that will always have my back. I am also looking for a place where I can play right away.”
Regarding his visit to Pittsburgh, Odukale said he had a good trip.
“I enjoyed myself on the visit. The coaching staff there told me that if I keep working hard everything will fall into place for me and that I would have a good chance to play early.”
As a player, Odukale is a long and crafty combo guard capable of playing both on and off the ball. At 6’5, he is a versatile defender capable of guarding three positions. On the offensive end, he is a downhill player with great court vision. He plays with great body control, is a strong finisher at the rim, and a willing and able passer.
When describing himself as a player, Odukale said, “I am a 6-5, 193 pound point guard who is a playmaker that can shoot and guard anybody on the floor.”
Watch some highlights below.
https://setonhall.rivals.com/
Coming from Brooklyn, New York, Femi Odukale is well versed in what Seton Hall has to offer and the success that they have had with New York City guards. That is why when Seton Hall assistant coach Duane Woodward offered him a scholarship back in January, the Pirates instantly jumped into contention for the rapidly rising guard. Odukale, a 6’5 combo guard, is currently doing a prep year at Commonwealth Academy in Massachusetts. We caught up with the talented player to discuss Seton Hall as well as his overall recruitment.
The offer from Woodward came back on January 20th, after Woodward watched Odukale go off for 21 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals in a showcase game at the NY Lightning Invitational.
“Coach Woodward has been recruiting me for awhile,” Odukale told Piratecrew. “He offered me back on the 20th and told me that he thinks I will be a good fit for Seton Hall and that I could be an impact freshman.”
Landing the Seton Hall offer was big for Odukale for a couple of reasons.
“I know Seton Hall has a lot of good guards in previous years that are capable of making tough shots,” he said. “The offer from Seton Hall means a lot to me because it means I could play next to home.”
Another driving force for Seton Hall is the recent success they have had with New York City guards.
“It would mean a lot because I will have to step in and work even harder to continue that legacy,” he added. “The success on the court means a lot as well because it shows that the coaches and players are able to come together and win games.”
Odukale, whose recruitment was quiet until mid-January, has received offers from UMass, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, Washington State and New Mexico since then. He has also taken official visits to UMass (1/24) and Pittsburgh (2/21) and has an official visit lined up to Seton Hall (3/4). Last year, he took an official visit to St. Bonaventure, his first scholarship offer, on 11/8.
Odukale is looking forward to his March 3rd visit to Seton Hall and currently has no other trips planned. As of now, he is still open to all schools and has not narrowed down his list. However, he has used 3 of his 5 OVs with a 4th scheduled to SHU.
Regarding a timeline for his decision, he is hoping to make a decision after March Madness.
“I am going to decide after March Madness,” he said. “I am looking for a family atmosphere and a school and university that will always have my back. I am also looking for a place where I can play right away.”
Regarding his visit to Pittsburgh, Odukale said he had a good trip.
“I enjoyed myself on the visit. The coaching staff there told me that if I keep working hard everything will fall into place for me and that I would have a good chance to play early.”
As a player, Odukale is a long and crafty combo guard capable of playing both on and off the ball. At 6’5, he is a versatile defender capable of guarding three positions. On the offensive end, he is a downhill player with great court vision. He plays with great body control, is a strong finisher at the rim, and a willing and able passer.
When describing himself as a player, Odukale said, “I am a 6-5, 193 pound point guard who is a playmaker that can shoot and guard anybody on the floor.”
Watch some highlights below.
https://setonhall.rivals.com/
