Okoroh: Renaissance Young Guy
Ron Bailey, Publisher
Prince Okoroh, similar to the likes of Paul Robeson before him, may become what can be termed a Renaissance Young Guy for his varied skills, interests and abilities
July 17, 2009 - What would you call a kid that as a rising junior owns a 3.71 GPA, has received numerous academic/citizenship awards, and is a talented and improving swingman? Does it sound like someone who may not exist, sounding too good to be true? No, you can call him Prince Okoroh.
Attending Eleanor Roosevelt HS (Greenbelt, MD) and participating in that school's challenging Science and Technology Program, Okoroh is proving academics and athletics are not mutually exclusive. For the former, see a partial listing of his recent scholastic recognitions: Prince Georges County Superintendent’s Award (2007), John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth, National Society For High School Scholars Award and Induction (2008), City of Glenarden Mayor’s Youth Achievement Initiative Honoree Award recognizing outstanding academic excellence (2008).
Furthermore, his academic pursuits have taken him to colleges like Frostburg State and Lafayette University for advanced enrichment programs, as well as led to an internship with Lockheed Martin. Organizations such as the the National Society of Black Engineers boast Prince as a member.
Okoroh, in addition to skill development work trains his body with the Next Level group and Prince George's County, MD football and basketball coach. (photo property of i95Ballerz.com)
Sometimes young people with these credentials and achievements, have a love of and skills in computing, along with a unique career plan - Prince shared during a recent interview "I want to major in Biomedical Engineering because it meshes technology and medicine" - could be somewhat myopic; wholly scholastically inclined, not outgoing, not involved in athletics.
That stereotype doesn't apply to Okoroh, who at 6'3" and 180 lbs is a forward for both Roosevelt and the well known travel team organization, DC Assault - he's something of a Renaissance Young Man. At Roosevelt last year, Okoroh averaged eight points and eight rebounds per contest, playing more of a support role to several seniors, one, Lasan Kromah that will be playing at George Washington this year, and the other, Francis Ashe, who is headed to the NCAA's Division II level.
This year, shouldering expectations of being both leader and captain at Roosevelt this season, Prince has applied logic and discipline to prepare himself: Long known for his length and athleticism, a while ago he acknowledged the need to become a better ball handler and shooter.
Regarding the latter, Okoroh shared at the recent Super Elite Showcase "I've been shooting everyday", including utilizing the "shooting machine" at Roosevelt and "getting shots up outside my house", at times even enlisting his fifth grade sister, Chelsea, in the effort. The impact of these sessions, comprising "200 shots a day" is obvious, as he no longer needs greater arch on his jumper, and the ball seems to come off his fingers smoothly; though Prince is still working on his arm placement, he's turned an Achilles Heel into a strength, even hitting a three pointer to propel his 16-under aged Assault team to a Super Elite Showcase playoff overtime session, and eventual win.
In terms of dribbling, Okoroh is not quite as advanced compared to shooting, but improvement has obviously been made. "I work at it everyday" he said, including full court and stationary drills. "This year I have to play the three".
That's the position he will likely play in college - a swingman. According to Prince, "Navy, Brown, South Florida, Colgate, William and Mary, American and Delaware" have shown interest. His eventual destination will be "a Division I basketball program and a school that has good academics". There is neither a timetable or geographical preference attached to his decision.
As a celebrated Air Force ROTC cadet, Prince has embraced leadership, a skill/trait that will be called upon at Roosevelt on the hardwood. "This year, we have a lot of talent. A lot of people don't think so, but we do" he said, before later noting some of the school's better athletes didn't maintain academic eligibility last year. As a result, Prince said "In school, I have to make sure everybody remains focused".
Before the school year commences, Okoroh will participate in the Adidas Super 64 (Las Vegas, July 22-26) and Phoenix Desert Duel (July 27-28) events with DC Assault. Roosevelt is entered in the DC Board Games Tournament, July 30 - August 2nd.
There's no doubt Prince has a busy plate; resultantly he's charged with a lot, but as the saying goes, "To Whom much is given, much is expected". Driving Prince in hoops is not only intelligence and athletic ability, but a feeling of being behind the proverbial eight ball. "I've been playing for only three years" he recalled. "I always feel like I'm behind".
It's becoming debatable if that's true in hoops, but you can't suggest he's catching up in the more important endeavor of academics; he's on the front end of that curve. Prince is proof positive a young person can achieve much in both.
Extra:
Prince Okoroh on DC Assault - "When I first came over, I liked the exposure they give us...and they work hard, just like I do.
"It's like a big family thing"