TUCSON, Ariz. — Tobe Awaka was one of four Tennessee players to enter the transfer portal after their Elite Eight run last season.
The New York native comes to the Wildcats seeing a familiar face, someone who has a familiar path to the Southwest.
“The fact that you know two New York guys are here, I think is pretty cool," Awaka said.
Awaka is talking about Jaden Bradley. Awaka is from Hyde Park and Bradley is from Rochester.
“I remember playing against him in high school," Awaka said. "I was on New York Lightning and he CP3 (Chris Paul Basketball Academy)."
Both New York natives and both transferring from SEC schools.
Awaka from Tennessee this season and Bradley from Alabama last season.
Bradley is already taking notice to Awaka’s style of play.
“I like Tobe a lot," Bradley said. "He's a strong enforcer down in the paint. He can also play forward, a five, he can step out and shoot the three. He can do so many different things.”
And Awaka describes his style of play as...
“Tough, gritty, hard nose," Awaka said. "I pride myself on rebounding the basketball, playing defense and sort of doing all of the little things to help my team win. Scoring and being more comfortable making play making decisions is something I’m trying to improve in."
Awaka’s physicality when it comes to rebounding is something players like KJ Lewis and Henri Veesaar say will change their defensive game.
“We’re going to be aggressive on the ball and off the ball," Lewis said. "We’ve got guys who can rebound the ball at high levels like Tobe, Henry, Krivas, Trey, myself and everybody on the team is taking a step in a positive direction on the defensive side so I think we’re going to be a way better defensive team this season.”
“He definitely gives a look in BIG 12 as well for us," Veesaar said. "He’s very physical, goes for every rebound. It preps us for the season.”
But, head coach Tommy Lloyd’s message to Awaka isn’t about his style of play, it’s about stopping self-criticism.
“Tobe is a joy to coach and a joy to be around," Lloyd said. "He’s just really hard on himself so I’ve really tried to get him to lighten up on himself and I keep telling him I need him to smile more. I think once he starts smiling, I think he’s really going to take the next step in his game.”
The next step begins Monday, November 4th against Canisius University.
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Erin Patterson is a reporter for KGUN 9. She's agraduate of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s in News Media with a Sports Concentration. Erin recently obtained her Master's Degree in Sports Journalism from Arizona State University at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, where she gained experience a sports reporter, anchor and producer. Share your story ideas and important issues with Erin by emailing erin.patterson@kgun9.com.
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