Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – With big production in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference last season, MacEwan's latest men's basketball recruit offers tantalizing potential as he transitions to the Canada West level.

Griffins head coach Mike Connolly announced Wednesday that Johnpaul Okodua will transfer from St. Mary's University in Calgary and join the Griffins for the 2020-21 season.

The 6-foot-9 post did a ton of damage in the paint for the Lightning last season, leading the ACAC in blocks per game (1.8) and finishing second in rebounding with 257 boards (12.24 per game).

"Johnpaul has a lot of potential to have a great career at MacEwan as he develops and grows," said Connolly. "However, his defence and rebounding will have an immediate impact on our team performance."

Okodua had only five games last season where he didn't hit double digits in rebounds, while averaging 11.2 points per game. His impact for the Lightning included 11 double doubles.

The product of St. Gregory's College in Lagos, Nigeria is MacEwan's first men's basketball transfer from St. Mary's since Ali Raza, who led the Griffins in scoring in 2017-18.

"Johnpaul will be a great addition to our roster," said Connolly. "He brings size and length to our frontline and he will add depth to our roster. He is a hard-working student-athlete who competes at a high level and his competitive nature will be instrumental to our success."

Okodua wrapped up a two-year stint as a St. Mary's student-athlete with a degree in Psychology and will be pursuing his honours degree in Psychology at MacEwan.