Penn State men’s basketball coach Micah Shrewsberry has been keeping tabs on the activity in the college basketball transfer portal, and another potential target may have just become available. But to secure the transfer, Shrewsberry may have to win a pretty tight recruiting battle against Texas Tech, a pair of SEC programs, and the NBA draft.
According to Jeff Goodman of Stadium, Kevin Obanor of Oral Roberts is looking to enter the NBA draft. However, as a way to keep all of his options on the table, he has also added his name to the transfer portal database, which is not a bad strategy given the uncertain nature of a two-round NBA draft.
As of now, Obanor reportedly prefers to head to the NBA with the hope of being drafted by an NBA franchise in need of a 6′-8″ forward who helped Oral Roberts advance to the Sweet Sixteen in this past season’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament following upset victories over Ohio State and Florida. He has already worked out for the Golden State Warriors and has workouts scheduled with the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.
But now that he is in the transfer portal, Obanor is getting calls from interested programs. Among those reaching out, according to Goodman, has been Penn State.
Goodman went on to add some other names to the list of schools reaching out to Obanor. Among them were Notre Dame, North Carolina, and Georgetown. Don’t be surprised if more schools are added to the list.
Penn State could certainly benefit from the addition of one of the nation’s top mid-major forwards if Obanor were to join the program. Seth Lundy has already made the decision to remain with the Nittany Lions after testing the waters of the transfer portal this offseason. John Harrar will also return for another season. Penn State has also added Greg Lee from the transfer portal via Cal State Bakersfield. Penn State isn’t exactly short on forwards, but any time a program can add a good quality player to the roster, it is worth examining.
Shrewsberry’s experience in developing NBA talent could also come into play as an advantage in recruiting Obanor to Happy Valley. But Penn State may be considered a bit of a longshot to land Obanor as he makes his decision on his future.
Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.
List
Ranking of Big Ten’s basketball cities from best to worst
