Other offers: Baylor, Robert Morris
Rundown: Arizona is going to be active in the coming days since June 15 is the first day coaches are allowed to speak with recruits in the 2022 class. For overseas prospects that started a bit earlier and on Sunday the Wildcats jumped into the recruitment of Irish big man ND Okafor with an offer. Arizona followed an offer from Baylor while Robert Morris was the first school to offer the power forward prospect a while back.
Okafor became well known among college programs last year when he shined at the FIBA U16 European Championship where he finished the tournament averaging 16.1 points, 14.1 rebounds, 5 blocks and 1.4 assists.
He played alongside incoming Arizona freshman Bennedict Mathurin as part of the NBA Latin America Academy team based in Mexico. So, UA has certainly been aware of him and has already been able to watch him in action. Associate head coach Jack Murphy is again leading the way in the recruitment since he has been tabbed as UA's international recruiter and the Wildcats will certainly be in a good position moving forward after jumping in early with an offer.
Kentucky, Georgia, Kansas State, TCU and Creighton are other programs that are already showing interest in the impressive big man who is listed at 6-foot-7 but is reportedly closer to about 6-foot-9 now entering the summer.
Okafor fits what Arizona wants in a lot of ways but his ability to impact the game on both ends is something that has certainly attracted programs. He is capable of blocking shots and being a force defensively while also being a nifty scorer who can rebound at a high rate.
His length is impressive and he has an explosiveness around the rim that you like to see from any big man prospect. His overall offensive game is still developing, but he already has a good handle for how to play in the paint and make an impact around the basket.
Considering there is that tie to him through Mathurin and taking into account how well Arizona has done with international prospects, Okafor is certainly a name to get to know as the process continues to play out over the next couple years.