Great Osobor’s Journey: From Huddersfield to U.S. College Basketball Success

Great Osobor, a 22-year-old basketball talent, has carved out a surprising and impressive path in college athletics. He’s managed to secure a lucrative career, even though he hasn’t played in the NBA yet.

Osobor’s story really shows how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments can change an athlete’s life. College athletes can now monetize their talents in ways that just weren’t possible before.

This blog post explores Osobor’s path from his early days in Spain and England to becoming one of the highest earners in collegiate basketball. Now, he’s pursuing his professional ambitions in Germany.

The Early Years: From Spain to England

Osobor started playing basketball in Tudela, Spain. His Nigerian parents signed him up for a youth team when he was just three, hoping to help him burn off his endless energy.

At 12, his family moved to Huddersfield, England. He commuted 13 miles north by bus to practice with the Bradford Dragons, the closest youth team he could find.

That kind of commitment is rare in someone so young. Eventually, his hard work paid off, and he landed at Myerscough College, a place known for its strong basketball program.

Influence of Family and Mentors

Family played a big part in Osobor’s passion for basketball. His older cousin, Robinson Idehen, played Division I basketball at UC Santa Barbara and now earns a living as a pro in Spain.

Chris Haslam, an Englishman and current assistant coach at Oregon State, also made a huge difference. Haslam was instrumental in Osobor’s recruitment into the U.S. college system.

College Journey: From Montana State to Washington

Osobor kicked off his college career at Montana State. Head coach Danny Sprinkle promised him real playing time as a freshman, and Sprinkle came through.

During Osobor’s first year, the team won the Big Sky conference. After two seasons, Osobor followed Sprinkle to Utah State, where he averaged 18 points and nine rebounds per game and grabbed Mountain West conference player of the year honors.

The Impact of NIL Payments

NIL payments arrived in 2021 and turned college athletics on its head. Players like Osobor could finally earn money through endorsements.

By 2024, Osobor landed a multi-million dollar deal when he joined the University of Washington. He quickly became one of the top earners in college basketball and stood out as a pioneer among his peers.

Professional Career: Transition to German Basketball

After finishing his college eligibility, Osobor played in the NBA summer league with the Houston Rockets. Instead of chasing the NBA right away, he chose to sign a one-year deal with Science City Jena in Germany’s first division.

He wanted playing time and the chance to develop further. In just four games, Osobor already ranks as the league’s third-highest scorer. Not bad, right?

Strategic Decisions for Long-Term Success

Why Germany? Osobor wanted a place to keep growing and to really show what he could do. He got offers from NBA G League teams, but decided Germany would give him the best shot at long-term improvement.

It’s a smart move, honestly—a reminder that sometimes, thinking ahead is more important than chasing the quickest win.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Great Osobor’s journey really highlights the new opportunities that NIL payments have unlocked. It’s also a good reminder of how much strategic planning matters in a sports career.

He’s found financial security and, honestly, set a new standard for college athletes coming up behind him. Now, as Osobor works on his game in Germany, he’s still got his sights set on the NBA.

Curious about the full story and his impact on college athletics? Check out the interview on The New York Times.