Minnesota Basketball Player Previews: Danny Ogele

With the Minnesota Golden Gopher men’s basketball season kicking off on November 9th, we will be previewing all members of the roster. Ogele looks to end his collegiate journey on a high note, arriving to Minnesota as a hopeful frontcourt participant and aide.

Year

Senior

Position

Forward

Measurables

Height: 6’ 7”

Weight: 220 lbs

Experience

The Chicago native and Saint Ignatius Prep product started his college career with two years at Navy in the Patriot League. There he played in 31 games across his two years, including averaging 3.2 points and 2.5 rebounds during his sophomore season. From Annapolis, Ogele headed to Division II Mercyhurst in Erie, Pennsylvania. His first year there was cut short due to a season-ending knee injury. In his second and final season with the Lakers, Danny averaged 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Brief Breakdown

Ogele looks to be a slightly undersized forward who will bring some athleticism and physicality to the front court. With ample experience at a variety of levels, Danny will be called upon to bring intensity and hustle to make up for the severe lack of size for Minnesota this season.

Projected Role

Based on the limited options in the front court, the undersized Gophers will likely be calling Ogele’s number more often than they would like to play the four. Despite being undersized, Danny can look forward to ample opportunity to bring defensive intensity and make up for any lack of size by crashing the boards with relentless vigor. Due to sheer lack of depth at the four and five, it wouldn’t be surprising for the Chicago native to play a much larger share of minutes down low in the Big Ten than one might hope for someone of his size. Fans must hope that Ogele is up to the challenge.