Former Auburn basketball star shares words of wisdom with Bruce Pearl's Tigers for the 2024 season: "Just hoop"
Chuma Okeke visited the Auburn Tigers on Thursday to meet coach Bruce Pearl and the 2024-25 basketball roster. He spent two years under Pearl (2017-2019) while posting 12 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in his final season before the Orlando Magic drafted him in the 2019 NBA draft.
Being part of the program's first-ever Final Four run under Bruce Pearl, Okeke shared a few words of motivation around to the young athletes about the process, hard work and getting better.
"At the end of the day, it's just basketball, at any level. It's just basketball and just hoop," Okeke said. "Just work and then your work's going to show regardless. And maybe when you put in the most work, more work than everybody else, you in the gym every day, every night, it's going to show regardless.
"Teammates aren't going to be mad at you because they've seen you putting in the work. Okay, he has put in the work, that's his shot. Go ahead and take it," Okeke followed.
Chuma Okeke is currently an NBA free agent after the Magic failed to put forward an enticing offer. Nevertheless, he is targeting a role-player stint in the league behind his defensive skill set.
Milwaukee Bucks, who are eyeing to fill the last roster spot, could be a great fit, given Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo can fill for Okeke's offense.
Divison II transfer Chaney Johnson could play a big role in Bruce Pearl's outfit
Aden Holloway and Tre Donaldson departed, Bruce Pearl brought in strengthening pieces like JP Pegues (Furman), Miles Kelly (Georgia Tech) and freshman Tahaad Pettiford.
However, there were no significant additions for Jaylin Williams’ void. Pearl reportedly believes Williams’ absence only opens doors for Chaney Johnson to shine.
Johnson is a 6-foot-7 wing who made a unique transition from Division II basketball (Alabama-Huntsville) to Division I. He played 35 games last season (2 started) to post 4.7 points and 3.4 rebounds on 50% shooting. Chaney could be a high-level starter for the Tigers, mostly due to the increased efficiency he showed during conference games.