Texas men’s basketball has landed a commitment from British center Lewis Obiorah of Barking Abbey, according to Draft Express’ Jonathan Givony. Obiorah is a 7-foot-1 center with a 7-5 wingspan. The 19-year-old averaged 10.7 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game last season, earning English Basketball Player of the Year Honors.
Obiorah joins a strong group of talent for first year Texas head coach Sean Miller that includes Xavier forward Dailyn Swain, Purdue forward Camden Heide, Florida Atlantic center Matas Vokietaitis, St. John’s guard Simeon Wilcher and Xavier center Lassina Traore. He’ll join returning players like guards Tramon Mark, Jordan Pope, and Chendall Weaver, as well as forward Nic Codie and incoming 2025 four-star center John Clark.
“It starts with the players that are here at Texas right now,” Miller said when he was first hired. “They went through a change and you have to respect the fact they’ve gone through a lot these last couple weeks. I think just making sure they’re okay and seeing who we’re going to have from last year’s team for the future. Then obviously bringing in those guys we don’t have right now that will come via the transfer portal and a lot will happen over the next eight weeks.”
Miller puts emphasis on recruiting high school, the transfer portal and international players. Vokietaitis is originally from Lithuania and Traore is originally from the Ivory Coast. Both players came to Texas via the portal from Florida Atlantic and Xavier, respectively.
Obiorah is now the second 7-footer on the roster, joining Vokietaitis, which is key to have success in a league like the SEC.
“I believe in an up-tempo style of play,” Miller said. “That’s something I’ve really changed on over the last four years. Playing fast doesn’t mean playing reckless.
“When you look at college basketball, you can be exciting and play fast, but you can also play smart. I will tell you that in terms of pace and tempo, I promise I will deliver on not only an exciting style, but I think, a style that people and players love to watch in person, on TV, and most importantly, to be a part of.”
The Longhorns are tentatively slated to take on college basketball blue blood Duke on Nov. 4 in what will be its season opener from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Texas will open its home slate against Lafayette.
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