Four-star junior Daniel Oturu commits to Minnesota

When Richard Pitino was hired as the head coach at Minnesota, his primary objective as the leader of the Big 10 program was to keep the best talent within its state’s border. After keeping the likes of Amir Coffey and Michael Hurt at home, the Gophers have done it again, this time coming in the form of four-star junior big man Daniel Oturu.

The interior is solidly put together for the Minnesota basketball program as they boast such talents as Eric Curry, Reggie Lynch, and Jordan Murphy. However, one can never have enough good big men, thus making the commitment of Oturu that much more welcomed by the Gopher coaching staff.

A 6-foot-9 center that is mobile in getting up and down the floor but is even more of an asset as a producer on the glass and as a shot blocker, Oturu should be able to contribute straight out of the gates in two years.

Running with the Howard Pulley 17-under team this past summer on the Nike EYBL circuit, while his minutes were sporadic, but his efficiency was not. Based off of 32-minute averages, the New York native would have produced over nine points and 14 rebounds per game, while knocking down over half of his field goal tries and blocking over three shots.

When asked what he does best on the floor, Oturu was direct and right to the point. “Shot blocking, rebounding, and inside scoring,” he said.

Boasting offers and high-level attention from Kansas, Baylor, and Nebraska, Oturu spoke on what stood out to him about Minnesota. “I feel like it is the place I am most comfortable at and where I can strive to become the best player I can be,” Oturu said.

Despite having been born in New York, Oturu was raised in Minnesota, something that Pitino emphasized to him about playing close to home.

"Just having the opportunity to play for my home state and having the pride of having the name of Minnesota across my chest,” Oturu said.

While there is still another year before Oturu hits Minnesota’s campus, he is someone that Gopher fans should be excited about. Upon the proper progressions, not only will the Cretin-Derham Hall product be able to make a name for himself on the boards, but he also can become a low-post asset that can score with his back to the basket.