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  • T.J. Otzelberger Announces the Addition of Osun Osunniyi to Iowa State MBB

T.J. Otzelberger Announces the Addition of Osun Osunniyi to Iowa State MBB

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Basketball

Iowa State head men's basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger has announced the addition of St. Bonaventure transfer Osun Osunniyi (Oh-shoon Oh-shoon-eeyee). Osunniyi is a 6-10 post out of Pleasantville, N.J. who played for the Bonnies the last four seasons. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

Osunniyi started 32 games for the Bonnies during the 2021-22 season. He led the team with 7.5 rebounds and 2.9 blocked shots per game as he helped lead the Bonnies to the NIT Semifinals. Osunniyi led the Bonnies in field goal percentage at 61.3 percent, while averaging 11.3 points per game. The two-time Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year, Osunniyi was named to the Lefty Driesell Defensive All-American Team this year.

"Osun has proven himself as an elite rim protector and defender, while garnering A-10 Defensive Player of the Year honors back-to-back seasons," Otzelberger said. "We have confidence in expanding his offensive playmaking, finishing and jump shooting abilities. Osun is a worker, competitor and winner that will provide us with an immediate front-line impact."

Osunniyi scored in double figures 18 times, including a season-high 21 against Duquesne (Jan. 21) and Saint Louis (Feb. 14). Osunniyi led the Bonnies with six double-doubles on the year, including a 21-point, 17-rebound effort against Duquesne (Jan. 21) and a 15-point, 15-rebound game against La Salle (Jan. 11). Osunniyi had double-figure rebounds in nine games. He blocked multiple shots in 26 of his 32 games, including 13 games with at least four blocked shots. He blocked a season-high seven shots against Sienna (Nov. 9).

In the last 25 years, Osunniyi is one of seven NCAA Division I players to average 9.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots per game while playing in over 100 career games. With 1,100 points, 305 blocked shots, 898 rebounds and 153 assists, he is one of three players that has reached those totals in the last 25 years. Osunniyi is one of four active players with over 300 career blocked shots. Osunniyi is a two-time Atlantic 10 Second Team All-Conference selection, while picking up third team honors in 2019-20. He was named to the A-10 All-Rookie Team in 2018-19 and the all-defensive team in 2019-20. Osunniyi was the Most Outstanding Player at the 2021 Atlantic 10 Championship, as the Bonnies beat VCU 74-65 in the title game behind 14 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks from Osunniyi.

As a junior, Osunniyi ranked 21st in the nation in blocked shots per game and 40th in total blocks (59), despite missing seven games with an injury. In his freshman campaign, he ranked sixth in the nation with 2.6 blocked shots per game and led all NCAA Division I freshmen in blocked shots.

During his senior season of high school, Osunniyi averaged 14.4 points and 11.4 rebounds, as he led Mainland High School to a 22-6 record and a trip to the regional semifinals. Following high school, he helped Putnam Science Academy to the school's first national prep championship, finishing with 27 points and 12 rebounds in the championship game. Osunniyi was named the game's MVP, as the victory capped a 38-4 season for the Mustangs.