Dan Oladapo is a transfer from The University Pittsburgh. Not only is he bringing his “unmatched” work ethic to the courts, but also his willingness to put others before himself to the NCCU Men's Basketball team this season. Oladapo said in an interview.
Oladapo is majoring in digital media, with a minor in communications. Prior to transferring to Pitt, Oladapo played with Oakland University, before coming to Pitt and learning from Coach Capel, an experience that Oladapo is forever grateful for.
“My experience at Pitt was special, not many get to say they went to a high major and play for Coach Capel, it was a crazy experience for one, that I am forever grateful for,” Oladapo said.
When asked what he took away from the former Duke assistant coach [Capel], Oladapo mentioned how important it is to stay consistent.
“What I learned from Coach Jeff Capel is to always be consistent. He would tell us quotes from Coach K [from] when he was at Duke. One I always will remember is to be consistent on bad or good days, as long as you're consistent with anything you do, not just basketball, everything will fall into place," Oladapo said.
Oladapo’s new coaching staff was one of the driving forces that ultimately led to the decision to him becoming an Eagle. Oladapo attributes Coach Moton and his staff, accrediting them for making him feel like family.
“Just the fact that they showed genuine love ever since my freshman year, it feels like family, and I love it.” Oladapo said.
Oladapo’s ability to score at all three levels, make plays for his teammates, and the passion that he plays with, is what NCCU can expect to see on the court. With his athleticism at 6’7, Oladapo should be able to get consistently good looks attacking the rim.
As far as expectations of the season, Oladapo has put winning the MEAC tournament as his team's goal for this season. As well as everyone on the team maintaining a high GPA. For himself, 20 points and 10 rebounds are where Oladapo wants to start for a personal goal.
Oladapo admits that it is still early, and that there is plenty of more work and preparation that has to go into the finished product. “I'm so excited for this year, me being new and still learning and growing each day has me so excited. I see the potential this team has each day in practice -- I’m super excited and Eagle fans should be as well,” Oladapo said.
Coach Moton's team finished with an overall record of 16-15 (8-5 in conference play). Finishing third in the MEAC, to end the 2021- 2022 season. With anticipated continuity, along with some new additions, NCCU is poised to regain the top spot in the MEAC.
Dan Oladapo Q&A with Caleb Veal
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player, and who do you model your game after?
A: My favorite basketball player is KD PG County finest! I model my game after Paul George and Kawhi. Essentially guys that can handle the ball and score from different areas, but also take pride on the defensive end.
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Q: So far what has been the most intriguing part of working out with the team? in regard to the upcoming season? Do you like the group of guys in the locker room? Who has reached out to you?
A: The most intriguing has been the energy and how everyone genuinely likes one another, I never really been on a team like this. I love the guys in the locker room all the way down to the Walk Ons, who has reached out to me everyone I'm sure there excited I'm here and I'm excited to build a bond with these guys on and off the floor shoutout to my guys Jwright, Kroe, Camm, Boone, JD, TCraw, Timmy, Que, Dev, Bnb, Fred, Nick, Shak probably missing somebody but s/o to all my teammates.
Tune in to the Men's 2022-2023 season that kicks off this November.
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