Emmanuel Nzekwesi

Classroom

Emmanuel Nzekwesi holds a 3.42 grade point average while majoring in computer information technology and has earned a spot on the ORU President’s Honor Roll every semester since enrolling. He also is minoring in Christian counseling, adding a unique dynamic to his work in the classroom.

Character

There are many stories that showcase what a special person Emmanuel is. During the fall, he convinced three teammates to attend a nine-year-old’s birthday party at a local gym with him. Even though he only knew the family through a mutual contact at his church, he spent the afternoon playing games and giving pointers to a group of young kids to help them celebrate.

An active member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Nzekwesi is thought highly of on campus and loved by all faculty and staff. He was voted by his teammates as a team captain and does everything asked of him from the coaches and staff. He even shares text messages with Oral Roberts University President Dr. William Wilson. They have developed a relationship over the last four years.

Community

Nzekwesi has been active in the local community, volunteering with the Kids Against Hunger outreach program trying to provide needy children with life-giving food. He also works with the John 3:16 Mission, which aims to help transform lives of homeless and at-risk individuals through ministry programs. During his time in Tulsa, Nzekwesi has volunteered weekly at the Southside Tulsa Boys & Girls Club and been a bell ringer at times for the Salvation Army.

Competition

Nzekwesi already ranks as one of the best players in ORU history, sitting 27th in all-time scoring. He became the 17th player in school history to record 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in a career last season. Entering his season year, he was chosen as the Summit League Conference Preseason Player of the Year by Athlon Sports. He has twice been named to the All-Summit League Team, earning second-team accolades as a junior and honorable mention honors in his sophomore campaign. He was selected as the Summit League Freshman of the Year in 2016-17. Nzekwesi averaged a double-double in league play as a junior shooting a career-best 54 percent from the floor and had a team-leading six games with 20 or more points, including a career-high 34 on Jan. 3. He led ORU with nine double-doubles in 2018-19, pushing his career total to 21. Nzekwesi has increased his points and rebounds per game average every season and is averaging 12.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in 88 total appearances and 82 starts.