HALIFAX, NS – The University of New Brunswick men’s basketball team adds an exciting piece in 6-foot-3 point guard Eden Otshudi out of Potter’s House Academy in Jacksonville, Florida.
Otshudi, 20 years old, originally committing to the Carleton Ravens before reopening his recruitment in July, said committing to UNB was the best decision for him.
“I thought this was going to be good for my career because I saw a good opportunity at UNB, and I felt like I didn’t give them as much of a chance,” Otshudi said.
The guard’s relationship with the UNB coaching staff influenced his decision, said Otshudi, as the coaches showed a lot of interest in him and were consistent with asking how he was doing.
“I felt like the love was really there with UNB,” said Otshudi.
With his playstyle, Otshudi said he feels his teammates will have fun playing with him as he can set them up for buckets in various ways. Otshudi can score on all three levels, said Reds’ head coach Joe Salerno, but can also distribute and make his teammates better.
“He’s a very quick downhill point guard who can get in the paint and create havoc on defences. For me, I’m excited for the well-rounded player that he is, and again, his ability to not only distribute but also put some points on the board for us is something we’re certainly excited about,” Salerno said.
Salerno said Otshudi can have an impact this coming season as a freshman.
“I think Eden’s a guy who can do a lot of things for us this coming season. He’s a true scoring point guard, and it’s something we lacked a little bit last season,” Salerno said. “He’s going to bring in a highly competitive spirit. He’s a guy who I think is ready to play at this AUS level in his first year.”
Long term, Salerno said Otshudi can bring consistency to the UNB Reds’ backcourt. The experience Otshudi will gain in his first couple of seasons will set a great foundation for years to come, said Salerno.
“We look at him as a piece who can be a cornerstone for the next several years here at UNB,” Salerno said.
After playing for Potter’s House Christian Academy and Tennessee Preparatory Academy, the Hamilton, Ontario, native said his time in the United States of America helped his maturity both on and off the court.
“In the States, it’s really fast-paced game over there, and on the next level, it’s also a fast-paced game. I feel like with my experience playing a fast-paced game of ball; I can translate that a little smoother coming back to Canada to play,” Otshudi said.
Salerno said the team will be extremely young, with six graduates on the way out.
“The expectation is high; I think we’re going to be competitive, I think we have the talent to be competitive, but again, we’re going to be very young,” Salerno said. “We’re going to have to handle that in stride, but I do feel confident that we brought in enough talent throughout this recruiting season to compete in the AUS; if not this year, certainly the next several years.”
Excited to play with the group of young guys he is coming in with, Otshudi said he thinks they will bring a lot of talent that will shock the AUS.
“Just watch out for it this year; it’ll be an exciting year for sure. Just watch out; we’re going to be competing really hard in the AUS this year,” Otshudi said.
Otshudi said he is training heavily every day, working out two to three times a day, shooting around, working cardio, and getting in the weight room.
“It’s been tough, but it all comes with consistency, right? Staying tough-minded throughout the whole process of the summer and knowing that I’m going to be playing at the next level next year; that kind of keeps me going,” Otshudi said.