Though Okeke played just 21 minutes in seven games during the 2017-18 basketball season, he made invaluable contributions during practice for Baylor’s NIT team. Okeke has brought the same energy and enthusiasm this year, especially when he plays against Baylor’s perimeter players.

When Okeke has the ball in his hands, nobody wants to take a charge because he might slip into football mode and run somebody over with his powerful 6-0, 225-pound frame.

“He’s a physical guy, a football player,” said Baylor freshman guard Jared Butler. “He plays like a starter in practice. We need competition day-in and day-out, people who are going to push us to get us better. That’s what he brings. He’s a great guy in the locker room, just a fun person to be around for sure.”

When both Mason and McClure missed the Feb. 9 game against Kansas State game due to injuries, Okeke came off the bench and played a career-high 10 minutes. It wasn’t just mop-up time. The Wildcats pulled out a 70-63 win at the Ferrell Center, but Baylor took the game to the wire.

In his eight games this season, Okeke has hit three of 10 field goals, including a 3-pointer in a 77-47 blowout of Oklahoma on Jan. 28 in Norman. He also has two steals and two rebounds.