Charles Okwandu is in his senior year as a Center for the UConn Huskies. He had only been playing basketball for three years prior to coming to UConn. “After I graduated from high school in Nigeria, I started watching some professional basketball players. Then my mom took me to a basketball court, and I’ve been playing since then.”

Charles’ most memorable experience so far is coming to America. It took three years to get here, but he’s here to stay.

Having three years of college basketball eligibility when he came to UConn, Charles is already in his senior year. He isn’t one of the leaders on the team, but he’ll do anything for the team. “I look up to Kemba (Walker) and Donnell (Beverly), and we’ll do our best to make the team go the right way.”

When asked what makes Coach Calhoun happy Charles said, “A lot of hard work, and being positive with everything we do.”

Charles said, “We have the best point guard in the nation, Kemba (Walker), and when you have such a player, we set our minds on winning the Big East, and getting back to the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Tournament.”

When asked about his thoughts on new assistant coach Kevin Ollie, “Coach Ollie works more with the guards than the big guys, but he always tells me to keep working hard and everything will be fine.”

Charles made his decision to come to UConn because he wanted to learn from Hasheem Thabeet (current UConn player). “I watched Connecticut on television, and I loved to watch Hasheem. Hasheem is 7’3” and I’m 7’1” so I want to play like him, and want to be like him.”

After spending his first year of college at Harcum Junior College in Pennsylvania, with a Division II basketball program, he transferred to UConn. “I’m here in Connecticut. It’s a very big transition but it’s a great one.”