Former St. John’s center transferring to UNLV

In search of a second chance, Chris Obekpa decided to give UNLV a look after seeking advice from a friend.

Anthony Bennett, who played one season for the Rebels and was the NBA's No. 1 draft pick two years ago, has been close with Obekpa since they crossed paths in high school.

"A.B. told me to go out there and see if you like it," Obekpa said. "I like it. I felt comfortable there. It felt right."

One of the top shot blockers in college basketball the past three seasons, Obekpa had announced his intention to transfer from St. John's. He drew interest from Arizona State and Minnesota, among other programs.

Near the end of his campus visit Wednesday, Obekpa informed UNLV's coaches of his commitment. The 6-foot-9-inch center has one year of eligibility remaining and must sit out the 2015-16 season.

His stay at St. John's was stormy at times. As a junior, Obekpa averaged 5.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.1 blocks. But he was suspended for the team's NCAA Tournament game — a loss to San Diego State — for marijuana use, according to reports.

After Steve Lavin was fired as the Red Storm coach and replaced by Chris Mullin, Obekpa started looking for another option in late June.

Rebels coach Dave Rice, who has gambled on transfers with troubles in their past, is not taking too big of a risk on Obekpa, according to his former coach.

"Sometimes in life, a fresh start or second chance can be a good thing," Lavin said. "If he learns from his experiences at St. John's and matures, he will be an excellent addition for UNLV."

Lavin, taking the year off from coaching to work as a TV analyst, indicated Obekpa could be reaching his upside on and off the court. None of the problems he encountered at St. John's would be considered serious issues.

Obekpa, born and raised in Nigeria, has been in the U.S. for five years. While his offensive game is limited, he's an athlete who can run the floor and defend the rim. He led the Big East Conference in blocks three years in a row, recording 133 blocks in a season and 11 blocks in a game.

"Chris is a game changer at the defensive end of the floor," Lavin said, "and he has gradually developed his offensive skill set."

UNLV assistant coach Ryan Miller, the lead recruiter in the Rebels' efforts to land Bishop Gorman High School 7-footer Stephen Zimmerman this spring, developed a relationship with Obekpa.

While on campus this week, Obekpa played pickup games with several of the Rebels and said that experience helped seal his decision.

"The guys were great," Obekpa said. "I just like the vibe."

Obekpa signed scholarship papers Wednesday, but Rice was not immediately given clearance to comment on his newest recruit.

Rice had one scholarship remaining for this season, and it was presumed he was holding it for former Findlay Prep forward Justin Jackson. It appears Jackson will remain a recruit in the class of 2016. He recently said he might reclassify and redshirt at UNLV, but that's unlikely.

Jackson has said he's "locked in at UNLV," although it's unclear where he will spend this season.

The Rebels are deep on their front line with Zimmerman arriving to join 6-8 junior Ben Carter, 6-10 sophomore Goodluck Okonoboh and 6-8 sophomore Dwayne Morgan. Another incoming freshman, 6-6 Derrick Jones, can play small forward.

Obekpa will practice with the team this season, and his presence should benefit Zimmerman and UNLV's other young front line players.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyoumans247.