Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Men's Basketball signs Bola Olaniyan
08/01/2012 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
Aug. 1, 2012
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University men's basketball coach Barry Hinson announced today that forward Bola Olaniyan has signed a scholarship agreement and will be a freshman on the roster for the upcoming season.
Olaniyan averaged 14.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per game last year for Richmond High School (Ind.). The 6-foot-8, 215-pound native of Nigeria scored a season-high 27 points in an overtime victory over Kokomo on Feb. 17, and also scored 25 points three times.
"Bola has great upside and an opportunity to be special," Hinson said. "He started playing basketball when he was 15. To see what he's accomplished in such a short timeframe is remarkable. He's filled with untapped potential."
Olaniyan recorded 14 double-doubles last season and posted double figures in scoring in all but five games. Richmond finished 21-4 on the season and advanced to the Class 4A sectional final for a second consecutive season.
Olaniyan, who has lived in the United States for two years, will arrive in Carbondale in time to start classes on Aug. 20.
