University of Connecticut Athletics
Emeka Okafor Named 2004-05
5/4/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 4, 2005)-- Former University of Connecticut all-american and current Charlotte Bobcats standout Emeka Okafor has been named the 2004-05 NBA Rookie of the Year, it was announced by the league Wednesday.
Okafor is the first former UConn performer to ever earn NBA Rookie of the Year recognition.
Said UConn head coach Jim Calhoun, "Since the moment Emeka arrived on our campus, he improved every minute. The incredible consistency with which he performed this season is a testament to the work ethic that we were all fortunate to be able to see firsthand. The focus and determination he attacks every task with is something that we will be able to use as an example forever. I am unbelievably proud of him and know that many great things remain ahead for him in the future."
Okafor, the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft, led all rookies in scoring (15.9 points per game) and rebounding (10.9 rpg). He also ranked second in the NBA with 3.8 offensive rebounds per game. He ended his season with 47 double-doubles.
Okafor played under tremendous pressure the entire season as the face of the expansion Bobcats. Charlotte traded up in the draft for a chance to pick him, hoping to make him the cornerstone of their franchise. Even with a limited supporting cast, Okafor was able to help the Bobcats to 18 wins despite preseason predictions that Charlotte would be the worst team in NBA history. He helped the Bobcats to two wins over Detroit, the defending NBA champions, as well as victories over Miami and Houston.
Okafor was a two-time all-american for the Huskies and led the squad to the 2004 NCAA Championship, earning recognition as the Most Outstanding Performer at the 2004 NCAA Final Four. He was named the 2003-04 NABC National Co-Player of the Year and was the BIG EAST Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year as a junior. He finished his career as the all-time blocked in UConn history and the all-time leader in BIG EAST history in blocked shots per game.
