WVU Basketball
Meet the WVU Basketball Team: Harlan Obioha, a Force for the Front Court
After a full season of WVU being undersized by Big 12 standards, the first transfer portal signing of Ross Hodge’s tenure at WVU was the addition of senior center Harlan Obioha. Obioha brings several desired aspects to Morgantown, including inside scoring success, defensive mobility and physicality.
“He has continued to get better throughout the course of his college career and gives us a physical presence on both ends of the floor,” Hodge said in a release on April 11.
The most glaring aspect of Obioha’s arrival is his 7-foot, 280-pound frame. Last season, WVU was out-rebounded in 17 of its 20 Big 12 matchups. Averaging six rebounds per game with five double-doubles last season, Obioha has a chance to help WVU on the boards immensely.
Obioha’s ability to move the floor stands out as well. He is rarely flat-footed on defense, allowing him to disrupt offenses in more places than the low post. He racked up 42 blocks last year with a season-high five against East Carolina University on Dec. 12.
On the offensive side of the floor, Obioha is very capable of fighting through contact, but staying light enough on the finish to convert inside. UNCW often used him in pick-and-roll action sets, where he showed his capabilities as a scorer after catching passes on the move.
New #WVU Men’s Basketball Center Harlan Obioha checks all the boxes for a quality Big 12 big.
The 7-footer tallied 9.2 points and six rebounds last season and recorded 7 pts and 9 reb vs Texas Tech in the tournament.
He crashes the glass and uses his frame in the PNR.
— Cody Burton (@CBurtonSports) April 7, 2025
The Hoxie, Kansas native already has a taste of Big 12 competition, as UNCW’s season came to an end against Texas Tech University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He finished with nine rebounds and seven points while helping hold center JT Toppin to 12 points, six below his season average.
While WVU could use more size in the front court, Obioha’s signing marks a step in the right direction. With multiple star big men in the Big 12, he has a chance to solidify himself as a prime center in the nation.
Find more coverage of Harlan Obioha at WV Sports Now.
For a related story, 4-star guard Amir Jenkins Reclassifies to join WVU Basketball for 2025 season.
