2026 Recruiting: Sara Okeke | The Boneyard

2026 Recruiting: Sara Okeke

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If she can skip college and go directly to the WNBA she must be very, very good!
 
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Looks good but I hope she's not Big "O" insurance?......... ☹️
 
In Geno’s pre-season media availability video (7:08), he alludes to the fact that the ability of foreign players to now benefit economically from playing in the US will result in more of them coming here to play, and that they are in great demand by US Coaches. To me, Sara (a third player with that name) possesses elite athleticism and skills, and should not be viewed as an Olivia Vukosa insurance policy, but rather as another great potential addition to the team. I think this is a player that Geno prefers over Sitaya Fagan and the other Top 10 International Prospects from the 2026 Recruiting thread posted by HuskyNan.
 
Charliebball said:
Looks good but I hope she's not Big "O" insurance?......... ☹️
Expand ...

I personally don’t think so. Coach Valley still likes things on Instagram about Big O, so I believe we’re still in the race there.

If it is, I wouldn’t be mad. Any player that scouts say are reminiscent of the Ogwumike sisters is a player I wouldn’t mind having. Another Spanish speaking “Sara” to pair with Blanca & Sarah could be a crazy good trio.
 
darrell said:
I personally don’t think so. Coach Valley still likes things on Instagram about Big O, so I believe we’re still in the race there.

If it is, I wouldn’t be mad. Any player that scouts say are reminiscent of the Ogwumike sisters is a player I wouldn’t mind having. Another Spanish speaking “Sara” to pair with Blanca & Sarah could be a crazy good trio.
Expand ...

Kelis will become Pececito!
 
darrell said:
I personally don’t think so. Coach Valley still likes things on Instagram about Big O, so I believe we’re still in the race there.

If it is, I wouldn’t be mad. Any player that scouts say are reminiscent of the Ogwumike sisters is a player I wouldn’t mind having. Another Spanish speaking “Sara” to pair with Blanca & Sarah could be a crazy good trio.
Expand ...
My first thought when I saw this was Big O insurance. I was nervous about the Big O because of the many visits and dragging out the process, when previously it seemed she was ours to lose. We didn't seem to have a decent plan B at all other than pursuing a quick fix in the portal.

Now at least there is a good alternative which is a good thing, but clearly this interest could suggest they are less confident of landing the Big O. I guess we could give a slight possibility to getting or wanting both, but that only seems like it would make sense if Sarah became more of a permanent 3.
 
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Molisanos said:
Sara Okosa is 3 times better than Olivia Vukosa...
Expand ...
This is tough call. Sara Okeke's Spain team plays
in the EuroBasket DIVISON A. Spain won beating
France !! in the Semis 71 -65 and Finland in the FINAL, 81 -72.
Okeke was the MVP for the tournament averaging 20.2 minutes 13.8 ppg with shooting 61.7 % (field goal %) and with No three pointers. She averaged 7.2 rebounds 1.2 assists, 0.7 personal fouls (NICE... for the whole tournament!) with
an efficiency rating of 16.2. Okeke has been reported to be 6'3" and also as
being 6'4" but the FIBA webpage records her as being 193 cm which
converts to 6' 3.98425197 inches = call it 6'4"!!
In the Final game against Finland Sara Okeke was 11/13 from the field,
scoring 23 points with 7 rebounds, three steals and 2 blocks. The
FIBA WEB page reported: " (SHE) saved her best for last" with her
" Intelligent, cool" performance.
Olivia Vukosa's Croatian team came in third in the FIBA WOMEN's
"B" Division (this past summer). Croatia is one of three teams that are on the edge of being "promoted" to the A division. So, by some stretch of reasoning, with Spain being #1 in Division A (16 teams) and Croatia being #3 in the Division B
Croatia is # 19 in Europe, Spain #1. However, since Olivia V has joined
the Croatian team they have been, year by year, climbing up in the
FIBA ratings. In Brief, Olivia is by far the best statistical player for
Croatia (best player? good team?); with Sara Okeke being the MVP on a VERY BALANCED (long bench) Spanish Team!
Finally, Sara Okeke is (IMHO), clearly a CENTER, though
her videos display her mobility, passing, and (in one sequence)
her ball handling skills. Olivia Vukosa is a three-level scorer, a rebounding
monster (against lesser opposition?) and is consistent
a three-point threat (among other excellent skills). Tough Call choosing between them!
If UCONN doesn't get one of these superb performers then
I believe that Geno should be happy with the other! In Geno I trust!
My Bet? THE "BIG O" comes to STORRS! But if she goes elsewhere
Sara Okeke (pronounced: " O... K... K" like "Oh, K.K. Arnold"!!!) will be
"UCONN ready" after a "developmental" freshman season with the HUSKIES!
What's your opinion??
 
Zarathustra said:
This is tough call. Sara Okeke's Spain team plays
in the EuroBasket DIVISON A. Spain won beating
France !! in the Semis 71 -65 and Finland in the FINAL, 81 -72.
Okeke was the MVP for the tournament averaging 20.2 minutes 13.8 ppg with shooting 61.7 % (field goal %) and with No three pointers. She averaged 7.2 rebounds 1.2 assists, 0.7 personal fouls (NICE... for the whole tournament!) with
an efficiency rating of 16.2. Okeke has been reported to be 6'3" and also as
being 6'4" but the FIBA webpage records her as being 193 cm which
converts to 6' 3.98425197 inches = call it 6'4"!!
In the Final game against Finland Sara Okeke was 11/13 from the field,
scoring 23 points with 7 rebounds, three steals and 2 blocks. The
FIBA WEB page reported: " (SHE) saved her best for last" with her
" Intelligent, cool" performance.
Olivia Vukosa's Croatian team came in third in the FIBA WOMEN's
"B" Division (this past summer). Croatia is one of three teams that are on the edge of being "promoted" to the A division. So, by some stretch of reasoning, with Spain being #1 in Division A (16 teams) and Croatia being #3 in the Division B
Croatia is # 19 in Europe, Spain #1. However, since Olivia V has joined
the Croatian team they have been, year by year, climbing up in the
FIBA ratings. In Brief, Olivia is by far the best statistical player for
Croatia (best player? good team?); with Sara Okeke being the MVP on a VERY BALANCED (long bench) Spanish Team!
Finally, Sara Okeke is (IMHO), clearly a CENTER, though
her videos display her mobility, passing, and (in one sequence)
her ball handling skills. Olivia Vukosa is a three-level scorer, a rebounding
monster (against lesser opposition?) and is consistent
a three-point threat (among other excellent skills). Tough Call choosing between them!
If UCONN doesn't get one of these superb performers then
I believe that Geno should be happy with the other! In Geno I trust!
My Bet? THE "BIG O" comes to STORRS! But if she goes elsewhere
Sara Okeke (pronounced: " O... K... K" like "Oh, K.K. Arnold"!!!) will be
"UCONN ready" after a "developmental" freshman season with the HUSKIES!
What's your opinion??
Expand ...
I think your conclusion that Okeke is clearly a C and that the Big O has a more diverse offensive skill set is a good take. It probably is an either or scenario, but the Big O at the 4 is intriguing possibility. Most project Sarah as a 3 in the W, and she seems to prefer the perimeter although she can do both, it's just that she was needed way more at the 4 last year.

Is it possible the Big O sees herself as more of a 4 when she gets to the W, and would appreciate playing that position in college, but she sees a superstar entrenched there now? If true, then getting Okeke could make Sarah and Olivia happy if they were used that way. A lineup of Sarah at the 3, Big O the 4, and Okeke at the 5 is scary, and might require using Blanca more at the 2.

The main obstacle to using Sarah at the 3 is being good enough at the 4 and 5 to use her there. That could happen from within if Ayanna or Ice made a quantum leap, or if Jana improved so much that she was too good to just get backup 5 minutes, and Geno played her with Serah frequently, with Serah moving to the 4. While that is possible, if the Big O can see a bright future at the 4 with Okeke, and Sarah being happy at the 3, I think it is something that at least should be explored in the recruiting pitch to both of these bigs.
 
.-.
Zarathustra said:
This is tough call. Sara Okeke's Spain team plays
in the EuroBasket DIVISON A. Spain won beating
France !! in the Semis 71 -65 and Finland in the FINAL, 81 -72.
Okeke was the MVP for the tournament averaging 20.2 minutes 13.8 ppg with shooting 61.7 % (field goal %) and with No three pointers. She averaged 7.2 rebounds 1.2 assists, 0.7 personal fouls (NICE... for the whole tournament!) with
an efficiency rating of 16.2. Okeke has been reported to be 6'3" and also as
being 6'4" but the FIBA webpage records her as being 193 cm which
converts to 6' 3.98425197 inches = call it 6'4"!!
In the Final game against Finland Sara Okeke was 11/13 from the field,
scoring 23 points with 7 rebounds, three steals and 2 blocks. The
FIBA WEB page reported: " (SHE) saved her best for last" with her
" Intelligent, cool" performance.
Olivia Vukosa's Croatian team came in third in the FIBA WOMEN's
"B" Division (this past summer). Croatia is one of three teams that are on the edge of being "promoted" to the A division. So, by some stretch of reasoning, with Spain being #1 in Division A (16 teams) and Croatia being #3 in the Division B
Croatia is # 19 in Europe, Spain #1. However, since Olivia V has joined
the Croatian team they have been, year by year, climbing up in the
FIBA ratings. In Brief, Olivia is by far the best statistical player for
Croatia (best player? good team?); with Sara Okeke being the MVP on a VERY BALANCED (long bench) Spanish Team!
Finally, Sara Okeke is (IMHO), clearly a CENTER, though
her videos display her mobility, passing, and (in one sequence)
her ball handling skills. Olivia Vukosa is a three-level scorer, a rebounding
monster (against lesser opposition?) and is consistent
a three-point threat (among other excellent skills). Tough Call choosing between them!
If UCONN doesn't get one of these superb performers then
I believe that Geno should be happy with the other! In Geno I trust!
My Bet? THE "BIG O" comes to STORRS! But if she goes elsewhere
Sara Okeke (pronounced: " O... K... K" like "Oh, K.K. Arnold"!!!) will be
"UCONN ready" after a "developmental" freshman season with the HUSKIES!
What's your opinion??
Expand ...
I've been following the Big "O" for many years and over time she's gotten incrementally better at all aspects of the game......she's clearly not the athlete that Okeke is, but she can shoot the three, has a nice midrange game and is highly efficient in the low post.....I can't say the same about Okeke simply because I haven't seen enough of her.......the video that I did see illustrates that she is quick, athletic, and can finish down low......can she shoot the three? Is her midrange game up to par? Is she the next Aaliyah Edwards? I'll take both of them please...... ☺️
 
darrell said:
Found this just now (from a week ago). Looks like some of the coaches went to watch Sara last month.

Expand ...

FYI: Sara Okeke is at DME Academy in Florida for her senior year (this
info is partially buried in the thread notes (above)). It is also noted on the ESPN Girls High School Basketball Recruiting webpage (click: "2026 class commits, more")
and then scroll down. ESPN notes that high of the list of MANY COLLEGES
following Sara Okeke are: UCONN, Texas, LSU, and South Carolina. ESPN is
one of the sources that note that Sara Okeke may go "Straight to the Pros".
?? Did all those 39 WBB programs all come to see SARA??? WOW.
I enjoy the thread (above # 16) placing Sara O at the 5, the "Big O" at the 4,
and Sara S at the 3 position. The option then is to have Blanca at the 2???
 
Zarathustra said:
FYI: Sara Okeke is at DME Academy in Florida for her senior year (this
info is partially buried in the thread notes (above)). It is also noted on the ESPN Girls High School Basketball Recruiting webpage (click: "2026 class commits, more")
and then scroll down. ESPN notes that high of the list of MANY COLLEGES
following Sara Okeke are: UCONN, Texas, LSU, and South Carolina. ESPN is
one of the sources that note that Sara Okeke may go "Straight to the Pros".
?? Did all those 39 WBB programs all come to see SARA??? WOW.
I enjoy the thread (above # 16) placing Sara O at the 5, the "Big O" at the 4,
and Sara S at the 3 position. The option then is to have Blanca at the 2???
Expand ...
And Gandy at the 1.
 
.-.
Sluconn Husky said:
According to Shane Laflin UConn is heavily in on 6-3 Spanish center Sara Okeke. Okeke qualifies for the 2027 WNBA draft so she could skip college altogether.
Expand ...
Maybe it's me but watching her highlights and that of French player Tournabize I'd take the French kid. Her length and ability to shoot the 3 make incredibly versatile (a Stewie feel). Okeke has very limited range or ball handling skill. Watch the tapes. What skill set would you rather have?
According to Shane Laflin UConn is heavily in on 6-3 Spanish center Sara Okeke. Okeke qualifies for the 2027 WNBA draft so she could skip college altogether.
[/QUOTE]
 
asuwish said:
Maybe it's me but watching her highlights and that of French player Tournabize I'd take the French kid. Her length and ability to shoot the 3 make incredibly versatile (a Stewie feel). Okeke has very limited range or ball handling skill. Watch the tapes. What skill set would you rather have?
According to Shane Laflin UConn is heavily in on 6-3 Spanish center Sara Okeke. Okeke qualifies for the 2027 WNBA draft so she could skip college altogether.
Expand ...
[/QUOTE]
Tournabize is who I want too. Just can’t get her dunk out of my mind- but she has great other game aspects
 
Last edited:
asuwish said:
Maybe it's me but watching her highlights and that of French player Tournabize I'd take the French kid. Her length and ability to shoot the 3 make incredibly versatile (a Stewie feel). Okeke has very limited range or ball handling skill. Watch the tapes. What skill set would you rather have?
According to Shane Laflin UConn is heavily in on 6-3 Spanish center Sara Okeke. Okeke qualifies for the 2027 WNBA draft so she could skip college altogether.
Expand ...
[/QUOTE] Additional Stats on Alicia Tournabize vs Sara Okeke. This
is from the Semi-Final game of the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket
2025 this summer. Spain won 71 -65. Perhaps best would be to what
the WHOLE game on the Fiba website.
Tournabize: 20:37 min, 7 points 3/9, no 3 pointers 1/2 free throws,
8 rebounds, 0 assists, 5 PERSONAL FOULS, 2 T.O., 2 Steals, 3 blocks
Efficiency 11.
Okeke: 28.46 min, 14 points 6/11, no threes, 2/7 free throws,
8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 p. fouls, FIVE Turnovers, 2 steals, no blocks,
Efficiency 10. So, did Tournabize foul out? Otherwise not much
to choose between these exceptional players. I hope to watch the
full game on You Tube to see what happened in the INDIVIDUAL BATTLE.
P.S. Just finished watching the France vs Spain Semifinal.
Alicia Tournebize fouled at with 54.7 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
In the first half Sara Okeke had the first 7 points of the game and ended
the half with 6/8 shooting and 13 points with 6 rebounds. The announcer
described Tournebize as "Quiet, invisible" in the first half. Neither player
had a great game. Okeke scored over Tournebize with soft hooks, and
with step throughs with ++ foot work. Tournebize was at a strength
disadvantage to Sara. (Note: Tournebize is 194 cm, Okeke is 193 cm). Sara Okeke with numerous examples of poor passes, poor hands, missed foul shots and turnovers. On the converse side Tournabize blocked a Okeke driving layup., NICE!
This game was a good but not deciding separation of these players.
It was noteworthy that for most of the game the defended each other... so
this was a good comparison for anyone wanted to see the difference for them-
selves...... Z
Alicia Tournebize was born 7/21/2007;Sara Okeke was born 11/ 16 2007.
IMHO ... neither is a threat to THE BIG O.!
 
Last edited:
Tournabize is who I want too. Just can’t get her dunk out of my mind- but she has great other game aspects
[/QUOTE]
That was a two-handed dunk against Belgium. But she, Alicia Tournebize
#13 for France at 194 cm / = 6' 4", is somewhat slender and has problems
with "wide bodies" or a more athletic player, e.g. Sara Okeke. ref: watch
the first 5 minutes of the SPAIN vs France FIBA u18 semifinal in
the EUROBasket TOURNAMENT. Sara Okeke scored the first 7 points of
the game for Spain. The announcer called Tournebize: "Quiet, Invisible".
Tournebize also fouled out late in the fourth quarter and did not score in
the game until 7 minutes 20 seconds remained the second quarter. One
problem Sara had a "Bad Hands" day in this game
 
Additional Stats on Alicia Tournabize vs Sara Okeke. This
is from the Semi-Final game of the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket
2025 this summer. Spain won 71 -65. Perhaps best would be to what
the WHOLE game on the Fiba website.
Tournabize: 20:37 min, 7 points 3/9, no 3 pointers 1/2 free throws,
8 rebounds, 0 assists, 5 PERSONAL FOULS, 2 T.O., 2 Steals, 3 blocks
Efficiency 11.
Okeke: 28.46 min, 14 points 6/11, no threes, 2/7 free throws,
8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 p. fouls, FIVE Turnovers, 2 steals, no blocks,
Efficiency 10. So, did Tournabize foul out? Otherwise not much
to choose between these exceptional players. I hope to watch the
full game on You Tube to see what happened in the INDIVIDUAL BATTLE.
P.S. Just finished watching the France vs Spain Semifinal.
Alicia Tournebize fouled at with 54.7 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
In the first half Sara Okeke had the first 7 points of the game and ended
the half with 6/8 shooting and 13 points with 6 rebounds. The announcer
described Tournebize as "Quiet, invisible" in the first half. Neither player
had a great game. Okeke scored over Tournebize with soft hooks, and
with step throughs with ++ foot work. Tournebize was at a strength
disadvantage to Sara. (Note: Tournebize is 194 cm, Okeke is 193 cm). Sara Okeke with numerous examples of poor passes, poor hands, missed foul shots and turnovers. On the converse side Tournabize blocked a Okeke driving layup., NICE!
This game was a good but not deciding separation of these players.
It was noteworthy that for most of the game the defended each other... so
this was a good comparison for anyone wanted to see the difference for them-
selves...... Z
Alicia Tournebize was born 7/21/2007;Sara Okeke was born 11/ 16 2007.
IMHO ... neither is a threat to THE BIG O.!
[/QUOTE]
Tournabize can shoot outside, handle the ball, and versatility would play able to play with Olivia and Sarah Strong. Okeke would be Olivia's back up and clogg the middle. Modern basketball wants spacing and versatility. Now sometimes having an unstoppable big allows you to play inside out but that is less and less the modern game
 
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