Daniel Utomi

Uzodinma Utomi (born March 7, 1997), better known as Daniel Utomi, is an American-born Nigerian[1] professional basketball player for Kolossos Rodou of the Greek Basket League. He played college basketball for USC and Akron.

Daniel Utomi
No. 4 – Kolossos Rodou
PositionSmall forward
LeagueGreek Basket League
Personal information
Born (1997-03-07) March 7, 1997
Houston, Texas
NationalityNigerian / American
Listed height6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school
College
NBA draft2020: undrafted
Playing career2020–present
Career history
2020Kauhajoki Karhu
2021Vichy-Clermont
2021–2022Pistoia Basket 2000
2022–2023Umana Chiusi
2023–presentKolossos Rodou

High school career

Utomi attended Westside High School in Houston, Texas. As a junior, he was named to the First-Team All-District. Utomi averaged 27 points and 14 rebounds per game as a junior, shooting 46 percent from three-point range. He garnered District Most Valuable Player honors after helping lead the Wolves to a 21-9 record and a spot in the regional tournament last season.[2] In April 2015, Utomi committed to play college basketball at Akron.[3]

College career

After playing in two games as a true freshman, Utomi suffered a foot injury and was forced to redshirt the season.[4] Utomi averaged 4.8 points and 1.2 rebounds per game as a redshirt freshman. He took on a leadership role during his redshirt sophomore season due to the departure of much of the team as well as coach Keith Dambrot.[5] On November 18, 2017, Utomi scored a career-high 32 points and made a career-high seven three-pointers in a 76-59 win against UT Martin.[6] As a redshirt sophomore, he averaged 16.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, shooting 40.6 percent from behind the arc. Utomi led Akron in scoring as a redshirt junior with 14.2 points per game while also averaging 5.5 rebounds 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, earning Honorable Mention All-Mid-American Conference recognition. Following the season, he decided to transfer to USC as a graduate transfer, choosing the Trojans over North Carolina, Kansas, and Virginia.[4] Utomi was ranked the 23rd best graduate transfer according to ESPN.[7] On February 15, 2020, he scored a season-high 23 points in a 70-51 victory over Washington State.[8] As a senior, Utomi averaged 8.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.[9]

Professional career

On July 18, 2020, Utomi signed with Kauhajoki Karhu of the Finnish Korisliiga.[10] In his debut on October 13, he scored 25 points in an 84-82 loss to Helsinki Seagulls.[11] Utomi averaged 12.6 points per game shooting 53.7 percent from three-point range. He bought out of his contract on December 4.[12]

On February 22, 2021, Utomi signed with JA Vichy-Clermont Métropole Basket of the French LNB Pro B.[13] He averaged 11.9 points and 3 rebounds per game.

On September 11, 2021, Utomi signed with Pistoia Basket 2000 of the Serie A2 Basket.[14]

Utomi spent the 2022-2023 season with Italian club Umana Chiusi, where he averaged 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 28 games.

On July 11, 2023, Utomi signed with Greek club Kolossos Rodou.

Nigeria national team

He has been part of Nigeria's national team at the AfroBasket 2021 in Kigali, Rwanda.[1]

References
  1. D’Tigers FIBA Afrobasket final roster released TODAY.ng, 19 August 2021. Accessed 26 August.
  2. "Zips basketball: UA officially welcomes Daniel Utomi". Akron Beacon-Journal. April 16, 2015. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  3. "Akron Zips fill basketball recruiting void quickly with another Texan". The Plain Dealer. April 16, 2015. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  4. Trevino, Chris (April 16, 2019). "HOOPS: Grad transfer Daniel Utomi commits to USC". 247 Sports. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  5. Thomas, George (December 5, 2017). "University of Akron basketball: Sophomore Daniel Utomi trims the fat, takes lead role with Zips". Akron Beacon-Journal. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  6. "Akron downs UT Martin 76-59 on Utomi's career night". ESPN. Associated Press. November 18, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  7. Borzello, Jeff (April 16, 2019). "Akron grad transfer Utomi headed to USC". ESPN. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  8. "Utomi lifts USC to 70-51 victory over Washington State". ESPN. Associated Press. February 15, 2020. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  9. Amico, Sam (August 5, 2020). "Former Akron and USC guard Utomi headed overseas". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  10. "Daniel Utomi signs with Karhu Basket". Sportando. July 18, 2020. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  11. "Miesten Korisliiga alkoi heti trillerillä, jossa Seagulls vei voiton – Sarcevic nousi Rannikon rinnalle kaikkien aikojen syöttötilastossa". Yle.fi (in Finnish). October 13, 2020. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  12. "Daniel Utomi parts ways with Kauhajoki Basket". Sportando. December 4, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  13. "Daniel Utomi signs with Vichy-Clermont". Sportando. February 22, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  14. "Daniel Utomi joins Pistoia Basket 2000". Sportando. September 11, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
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