After his 2023 campaign lasted less than a half, Owen Odigie can’t wait for the 2024 NBL1 season to tip-off.
The experienced forward has committed to a fourth year with Geelong United, joining captain DeMarcus Gatlin as a confirmed signing for coach Grant Wallace.
Odigie missed all but the opening night of the 2023 season after undergoing surgery on a ruptured quadriceps suffered late in the first half of the loss to Kilsyth.
“I’m excited to get back on court with the boys next season after being sidelined this year,” Odigie said.
“I want to help the team return to its winning ways and get back to the playoffs next year.”
Odigie, who played 80 NBL games with Melbourne Tigers/United,Β is looking forward to a big preseason.
“My leg is feeling really strong again,” he said. “I’m back in the gym and doing a few things on court.
“I will be back training fully in a month or two, which means I’ll be ready to go as soon as preseason starts.”
In 20 appearances in 2022, Odigie averaged 10.3 points on 54.2 per cent shooting, 7.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
In a seven-game midseason stretch, he averaged 14.3 points and 8.3 rebounds, including three double-doubles, highlighted by a 21-point, 10-rebound effort against Dandenong.
“The team missed Owen’s ability and experience throughout the 2023 season,” Geelong United Basketball General Manager of Pathways Megan Moody said.
“His diligence in rehabilitating such a serious injury is a credit to himself.
“Owen has shown before how important he is to our roster, and we look forward to what he can contribute in 2024.”
