LOOK: Ugonna Onyenso makes practice debut for Kentucky

On3 imageby:Jack Pilgrim09/14/22

A new body has been added to the Kentucky men’s basketball practice floor, and he goes by the name of Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso.

Onyenso, who signed with Kentucky back in August, was unable to join the team for the team’s trip to the Bahamas. He then arrived on campus for the fall on August 18, moving in that weekend.

Now, the 6-foot-11, 225-pound center has taken the practice floor wearing Kentucky across his chest for the first time.

The Kentucky basketball team shared a first look at Onyenso suiting up for the Wildcats this week.

“Looking good in (blue) & (white), 33,” the team wrote on social media.

Onyenso, originally a member of the 2023 high school recruiting class, reclassified to 2022 and is eligible to play during the 2022-23 season. He joins Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston and Adou Thiero among Kentucky’s true freshmen.

“What excited me most about Ugonna is he wanted to not only be here but wanted to be here to train with us and learn from guys like Oscar (Tshiebwe) and Lance (Ware) immediately and help us chase a national title,” UK head coach John Calipari said. “Ugonna has unbelievable natural athleticism and great instincts for a young player. He is going to be able to defend at the rim and is a terrific finisher. Ugonna has only been in the United States since January but has been fully immersed in basketball for several years with his experience at the NBA Academy in Africa.

“The staff and I are excited to help push him every day in a competitive and focused environment as he continues to improve and become the best version of himself both on and off the floor.”

Known as the best shot-blocker in high school basketball, Onyenso provides an elite defensive presence down low, while also standing out as a rim-running athlete on the other end of the floor.

“I’m proud to join the Kentucky basketball family and I can’t wait to help work for a national championship,” Onyenso said. “I’m so comfortable with Coach Cal and the staff and I know they will help me reach my goals as long as I work hard and come to play every day. I’m excited for their positionless style of play and I know I’m going to continue to get better because I’ll be pushed every day in practice with players who have the same drive that I do.”

Onyenso finished as the No. 18 overall prospect and No. 3 center in the final 2022 On3 player rankings.

Now, he’s ready to help the current roster make a run to the Final Four.

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2024-03-28