Wrangler Spotlight – Okako Adika

Sophomore guard, Okako Adika has been a big part of the women's basketball teams' success this season. Currently the Wranglers are 16-6 overall and 5-1 in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference and ranked #17 in the NJCAA D1 Poll.  

The Holstenbro, Denmark native has seen an improvement in her game from the 2018-19 season. She is averaging 11 points per game, up from 6.5 last year and is shooting over 50 percent from the field.  She was named the NJCAA Region 5 player of the week for the week of January 7^th. 

Okako stopped by to talk to us about her time here at Odessa College.   

Tell us about your journey to Odessa College?

A: I started the recruiting process late and was being recruited by a school in Minnesota.  The coach told me that I wouldn't be able to come to school there because of how long my international paperwork would take to process.  He sent me a list of junior colleges that he recommend and Odessa College was on that list.  I reached out to Coach Baten and he asked me for my recruiting film and after he saw that he offered me an opportunity to come to OC.

What was basketball like as a kid? Did you play any other sports?

A: Growing up I played every sport I possibly could.  One day my mom took me with her to one of my sister's basketball practices.  The coach asked me if I wanted to play and try out and I have been playing basketball ever since that day. 

What's the difference between basketball back home (Denmark) and basketball here?

A: Basketball back home is a lot different, they play by different rules and everyone is very skilled.  Here in the United States, the game is a lot more one on one and everyone here is very athletic. 

You spend a lot of extra time in the gym.  What are you working on?

A: I try to make sure that I am getting better each and every day.  I work on the physical side a lot, but this year I have tried to work more on the mental part of the game.

What's the difference between this team and last year's team?

A: There is not a lot of difference between this year's team and last year's team other than the personnel that we have.  Last year we had a lot of post players and this year we have a lot more shooters and guards. 

What is it like playing for Coach Baten?

A: I like it a lot.  Coach B is tough on us but wants us to be at our very best all the time.  He is very good about putting us in a position to be successful.

Plans after Odessa College?

A: I want to continue to play basketball in college, hopefully at the Division 1 level.  I plan on studying business and I want to open and run my own business one day but, I want to see where basketball will take me. 

Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

A: I just try and relax before a game.  I like to watch movies, or read, or listen to music and sometimes ill even try and take a nap. 

What do you like about Odessa College?

A: OC is a very, very good program and school.  There are so many opportunities available to us just from going to school here.  Everyone on campus treats you like family on and off the basketball court.  Odessa College has everything you need to be successful in school and life. 

Okako and the Wrangler women's basketball team will be back in action at home on Monday, January 27^th against South Plains College.  That night will be Student Athlete Academic Night where we will recognize those student athletes who have made the WJCAC All-Academic teams for the fall semester.  Tipoff for the game vs. South Plains is at 5:45pm inside the OC Sports Center.