Nwankwo signs to play basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners

Cowley College men's basketball standout Jeff Nwankwo is coming home as the Oklahoma City native recently signed a letter of intent to continue his playing career at the University of Oklahoma.

Nwankwo, who was named the Player of the Year in the Jayhawk Conference, joined former Tigers Dalen Ridgnal, Tyrus McGee, and Jack Crowder as Cowley's only other All-American selections over the past 30 years.

"I am not sure I have been around a harder worker than Jeff, except for when Tyrus McGee was here," Cowley head coach Donnie Jackson said. "He deserves this opportunity to go back home and play at OU."

Nwankwo helped the Tigers to a 28-6 record and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen at the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament by averaging 18.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 49 percent from the floor and 37 percent from beyond the arc.

"I feel like my time at Cowley has changed my life," Nwankwo said. "The community will forever be embedded in my heart. Special thanks to coach (Donnie) Jackson for believing in me and seeing the vision. Cowley County will always be my home away from home, and I am nothing but grateful for my time here."

Nwankwo's 631 points were the ninth most scored in a single season in the history of the Tiger men's basketball program.

"His skill set and athleticism should translate to the Southeastern Conference, and he will be a valuable weapon for the Sooners," Jackson said.

Nwankwo will join a Sooner basketball program that won 20 games last season and is led by head coach Porter Moser.

"I am very excited to represent my home team; this is like a dream come true," Nwankwo said. "I also understand that to get to where I want to be, the real work is just now beginning."