West Coast Convo
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Senior Send-Off: Loyola Marymount’s Godwin Okonji

By Sam Falcone

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Before joining the Lions, Godwin Okonji was a native of Nigeria, having grown up in Apapa, Lagos. After moving to the states, he played high school ball at Henderson International High School in Henderson, Nevada. He won a pair of ESPN Rise national crowns after transferring to crosstown rival, Findlay Prep.

It was this exact recognition that put him on Loyola Marymount’s radar back in 2010.

There was promise surrounding Okonji as an incoming recruit for LMU. Coach Good saw promise and determination in the young forward, and after a successful career in Southern California, it’s safe to say that Okonji has made his mark on this LMU program.

At the end of his collegiate career, Godwin ranks ninth all time in field goal percentage for Loyola Marymount, while also sitting in eighth place for career blocks, with 88. He’s successfully etched his name into the record books at LMU and enjoyed a rewarding collegiate career as a Lion.

In his freshman season at LMU, Okonji was a constant presence on the court, playing in 31 of the season’s 32 games, having been a starter for 24 of them. He had numerous outstanding performances throughout his freshman year, distinguishing himself in games against teams like Morgan State, Sacramento State, and Cal State Fullerton. He averaged 4.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and continued this success into the remainder of his years in Los Angeles.

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It wasn’t until the 2013-14 season, Okonji’s junior year, that his time as a Lion took an unexpected turn. After getting in a car accident, Godwin took a sever injury to the leg and had to sit out the season as a medical redshirt. Because of this, he got to take part in the most recent 2014-15 season, in which he averaged 9.7 ppg and started for the Lions.

He was a notable contributor for Loyola Marymount throughout the entire season and the full length of his career, and was a presence on both ends of the court. He was a key part of this program throughout his entire career and will be sorely missed on this LMU roster next season. He’s one of the best big men to go through this program in recent history and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors, both on and off the court. Thank you for a special five years, Godwin.

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