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<\/p>\nTexas Tech Lady Raiders officially welcomed its newest and most unique addition, as 7-foot-1 center Stephanie Okechukwu arrived in Lubbock this weekend following months of behind-the-scenes work to complete her signing and travel process.<\/p>\n
Head coach Krista Gerlich confirmed that Okechukwu actually signed with Texas Tech back in October, but the staff intentionally kept the news quiet while navigating what she described as \u201cso many things that still had to be done for her to make it to Lubbock, Texas.\u201d That process did not conclude until December 31.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a hell of a 48 hours,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cIt\u2019s very surreal because we\u2019ve been working on this for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n
Okechukwu\u2019s arrival marked the end of a lengthy international process that included extensive research, paperwork and coordination. Gerlich credited assistant coach Erik DeRoo for leading the effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe really worked diligently day and night, did a lot of talking to people and a lot of research on how to make this happen,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cWe never gave up hope.\u201d<\/p>\n
Okechukwu had opportunities to attend other schools, including one within the Big 12 [West Virginia] but concerns about logistics prevented those options from materializing.<\/p>\n
\u201cOther universities thought it was too difficult to get her here, or maybe thought they couldn\u2019t get her here,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t think that DeRoo can take no for an answer.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The Moment: Okechukwu\u2019s Arrival to Lubbock<\/p>\n
Okechukwu, who stands 7-foot-1, is believed to be the tallest player ever to play Division I women\u2019s basketball. Gerlich described the moment she arrived at Lubbock International Airport as emotional for the staff and players alike.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was extremely emotional when she walked out through those doors,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cWe were like, \u2018Man, this could be really game-changing.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Players made a point to welcome Okechukwu immediately, showing up at the airport unprompted \u2014 something Gerlich noted was never required of the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t tell them to come out there and meet her,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cThey came out there because they\u2019re so fired up about what she can bring, not just as a basketball player, but as a person.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senior guard Denae Fritz, who has transferred two times during her career, explained why that moment mattered.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know what it feels like to transfer a couple of times, so having people show up and show that they want her here and support her coming here means a lot,\u201d Fritz said. \u201cIt shows the team cares about her already and she hasn\u2019t even played a single minute yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Teammates quickly noticed Okechukwu\u2019s personality as much as her presence.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s super joyful,\u201d Adlee Blacklock said about Okechukwu\u2019s personality. \u201cThe first thing she did when she got off the plane is she jumped up in the air. She was so excited to see us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even before officially joining the team in person, Okechukwu had already immersed herself in the program.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe watched every one of our games before she got here,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cEvery time we played, she tuned in.\u201d<\/p>\n
That familiarity played into another decision Saturday night, when Okechukwu sat on the bench with the team during Texas Tech\u2019s game. Gerlich said she briefly considered keeping her out of sight to avoid unnecessary attention, but the players shut that idea down quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI even asked them, \u2018Does it make sense for her to be on the bench with us tonight?\u2019\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cAnd Jalynn Bristow came to me and said, \u2018We want her on the bench with us. She\u2019s part of our team.\u2019 And I was like, \u2018Okay, done.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
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Okechukwu\u2019s Basketball Background<\/p>\n
In terms of basketball background, Okechukwu did not begin playing the sport until age 16, making her development and skill set even more remarkable given her size.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s got really great hands,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cShe\u2019s got great touch around the rim. She uses the glass really well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Okechukwu has spent time playing internationally, including attending high school in Japan, while also training extensively in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s been training with a lot of trainers there,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cAs big as she is, she\u2019s got a pretty good skill set.\u201d<\/p>\n
From a schematic standpoint, Gerlich believes Okechukwu fits naturally into Texas Tech\u2019s offensive and defensive systems.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think she\u2019ll fit into our offensive scheme really well because of our high-low offense,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cDefensively, being able to protect the rim and alter shots will probably allow us to pressure even more on the perimeter.\u201d<\/p>\n
NCAA Eligibility Timeline: When Can Okechukwu Play?<\/p>\n
Okechukwu\u2019s NCAA eligibility is still being finalized. Gerlich confirmed that Texas Tech has filed the necessary paperwork for her initial eligibility, which would allow her to play immediately once approved.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have filed what we need to file,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cIt\u2019s in their hands. We think it could be very quick, but it really is up to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Okechukwu graduated from high school in 2024 and is currently 21 years old. Because she has never played college basketball, she technically has four years of eligibility available, though the final determination on exactly how many years of eligibility will depend on how the NCAA evaluates her post\u2013high school timeline. <\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s never played NCAA basketball,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cIt\u2019s just a matter of how the NCAA interprets what she\u2019s been doing since she graduated from high school.\u201d<\/p>\n
For now, Okechukwu remains in a waiting period, but her presence has already made an impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe fits in perfectly with the culture that we have,\u201d Gerlich said. \u201cShe\u2019s so grateful to be here, and Lady Raider Nation is doing exactly what we told her they would do \u2014 welcoming her with open arms.\u201d<\/p>\n
She will have a chance to watch her new team as they travel to a receiving votes in AP poll West Virginia on Wednesday night. They will follow that up with a trip over to Cincinnatti on Saturday before returning to Lubbock next week. <\/p>\n
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