St. John’s Player Profile: Chris Obekpa
By Joe Nardone
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Name: Chris Obekpa
Eligibility: Sophomore
Position: Center-Forward
Height: 6’9″
Weight: 223-pounds
Twitter Handle: @obekpa12
2012 Season Stats:
| SEASON | TEAM | G | MIN | FG | FGA | FG% | FG3 | FG3A | FG3% | FT | FTA | FT% | PTS | AVG |
| 2012-13 | St. John’s | 33 | 857 | 55 | 122 | 45.1 | 0 | 0 | – | 18 | 46 | 39.1 | 128 | 3.9 |
| TOTAL | 33 | 857 | 55 | 122 | 45.1 | 0 | 0 | – | 18 | 46 | 39.1 | 128 | 3.9 |
| More Stats | ||||||||||||
| SEASON | TEAM | G | MIN | REB | RAVG | A | AAVG | STL | SAVG | BLK | BAVG | TO |
| 2012-13 | St. John’s | 33 | 857 | 204 | 6.2 | 36 | 1.1 | 31 | 0.9 | 133 | 4 | 44 |
| TOTAL | 33 | 857 | 204 | 6.2 | 36 | 1.1 | 31 | 0.9 | 133 | 4 | 44 |
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Prognostication: Chris Obekpa is a defensive man-beast. I will hold my love for all things “Oblockpa” until the strength portion, however.
Obekpa is going to play this season, a lot. Not sure if he is going to be a starter or not (depends on Steve Lavin’s preference on size or skill starting), but a player with a game-altering defensive presence like Obekpa won’t be sitting for long. Fully expect him to be only behind JaKarr Sampson for minutes as far as the big men go.
Strengths: Um, blocking shots — that’s what! For real, though, Obekpa exploded on the scene last season by hurling opponents attempts at making buckets back in their own faces. Last season, as only a freshman, he blocked four shots a game and once blocked 11 shots in one night.
Also, while “only” 6’9″, he does possess a 7’4 wingspan.
Weaknesses: Almost zero offensive game. If we were to be honest, Obekpa’s only redeeming quality on offense is his (surprising) ability to pass to the correct teammate in a quick and speedy fashion.
Christian Obekpa is also a horrendous free-throw shooter (39 percent). Considering he does get to the line the rare times he attempts to score, shooting such a low percentage is unacceptable.
Personal Note: Definitely a fan favorite. Not just mine either. Obepka has a slew of nicknames, plays selfless hoops and becomes more endearing as a player every time he plays.
His lack of offensive abilities may prevent him from getting more minutes on the floor this season, but only Sampson will see more minutes as a big.
Random, but neat Chris Obekpa Factoid: He has six sisters! Ladies, he likely knows how to treat you correctly.
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Joseph is the editor of Storm The Paint. Follow him on the mean streets of Twitter @JosephNardone