The Tzuriel Ogunnaike Interview (Mechanicsburg, PA)

April 12, 2023

The Tzuriel Ogunnaike Interview (Mechanicsburg, PA)

Name: Tzuriel Ogunnaike

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Height: 6-3

Positions: Forward/Wing (Basketball), Wide Receiver/Defensive Back (Football)

High School: Cumberland Valley (PA)

Graduation Class: 2024

AAU Club: York Ballers HGSL

GPA: 3.7

Status: Uncommitted

MECHANICSBURG, PA -- Tzuriel Ogunnaike is a 6-3 Athlete from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He's currently a junior at Cumberland Valley High School, and runs with the York Ballers in the Hoop Group Showcase League. Ogunnaike is a dual-sport athlete for CV as he's a part of the Eagles' basketball and football programs.

There are so many words to describe Ogunnaike, but I have not met a kid who has a better heart than the young man. He's a great student in the classroom, very well spoken, always heard positive reviews on him, and always puts in full effort when playing. Even as an athlete, the kid flies off the handle as he has one of the best motors I've seen in my last two years of work.

In basketball, Ogunnaike's a reliable two-way player that can play strong inside, gaining confidence in playing around the perimeter, but has a strong trait of getting a stop on the defensive end no matter where he's at. While on the gridiron, he's a developing athlete who has the chance to turn into a one-play kind of dude with blazing speed as a receiver and back. Don't be surprised if he takes more plays to the crib this fall. Additionally, has the potential to be an All-Conference, All-Defensive and Radar player on the court next season. I'm very excited to see how Ogunnaike's senior year will play out.

I caught up with the 2024 prospect on his junior season, life as a dual-sport athlete and preparation heading into the last chapter.

Tzuriel Ogunnaike Interview

When did you first start playing basketball?

"My sports journey started from a young age. I can say I always grew up watching sports especially basketball. I came to love basketball since a young age, and I’ve been playing basketball for over 11 years now. As I looked to better my basketball conditioning, I ran track for a couple years in middle school. Once I came into high school, track turned into football. Now, I have also been playing football since my freshman year."

Describe your game from the skill standpoint.

"I would describe my game as an all around game. In basketball, I have the slashing, shooting, defending ability and IQ for the game. On the football field, I have the hands, speed and feel for the game. In both sports, I work hard and am always willing to do all of the dirty work. On the court, I love to find holes in the defense to score, while also looking to get my teammates involved. I take pride in my defense as well, on and off the ball. On the field, I want to make plays. Whether it’s a short hitch route, or a deep route and look to break one off."

How was life growing up in Central Pennsylvania?

"I would say different than average. My dad being from Nigeria and mom being from Ukraine, I was able to see a lot of experiences. My parents and sister had just moved to the United States when I was born. They worked hard from having nothing to providing me, and my sister a good life. They put me in a position to be able to play sports, go out and have fun with my friends. For that reason I love, and appreciate them an infinite amount. I have been exposed to many scenes growing but since elementary school, I have grown up in a good area with a good school. Sports have always been present on my life, and my parents encourage me to pursue sports past high school. School is also important for me. I can say I do my best at school, and enjoy my time amongst my classmates."

How was your junior season?

"My junior campaign was good, but I’m looking for even more my senior year. I was able to elevate my game in all aspects, and start for most of my junior year. As a team we started the year winning two tournaments, and finished the regular season 19-3. We had a big run in districts, but fell short in overtime to be runner ups. We also then lost our first round game in states to a buzzer beater. Although, I helped my team make it far and have a historic school run, those losses have me hungry for more."

You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?

"Playing and watching basketball is just one thing that helps me become a better player. I’m playing with York Ballers 17U Hoop Group team this year. I will get to learn and get coached by a ton of guys who have coached, or played at the next level. I also get in the gym, and lift to further my body's maturity. I also apply lessons I learn from football workouts to my basketball skills. Also, just gym time alone to allow me to get shots, and add things to my game."

Who is your favorite basketball player and why?

"I would have to say my favorite basketball player is LeBron James. He has had the media on his back since high school, but he hasn’t let that burden him. He worked hard and made it to the league, but that wasn’t enough. He was hungry for championships, and he has won many with different teams around him. Even now in his late 30's, he is still searching for another ring. Outside of basketball, he is also a great role model. He married his high school sweatheart, and has a family which he shows off and is proud of. He is very humble, but has proven himself to be one of the best to ever play the game."

What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today?

"I believe one of the greatest challenges is recruiting. You can take one look at Instagram or Twitter, and see a kid getting an offer. It can deter you if you aren’t getting as many looks. As well as kids who reclassify, and take prep years make the pool of players even bigger for recruiting."

As you’re now at the age where you’re looking and playing for college opportunities, what do you ideally look for in a school?

"One of the first things I look for is a good education. I would love it if a school had a good Business degree. I also look for a good coaching staff that wins games, and takes care of their players."

What is your expectation heading into the last chapter?

"My expectations coming into senior year is to get some medals on my neck. Most importantly a trophy for my school. I also want to continue to improve my grades throughout the school year."

Thank you Tzuriel for taking the time to talk with me this morning. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?

"Thank you for believing in me, and letting me be a part of your brand. You’re making a change for so many young lives, which proves just how good you heart is. Keep working because you are bound to be successful, and a name to know throughout the area."

Editor's note: "A little side note, I'm already known here *turns to the camera*. I want the world next *crowd laughs*"