In his parents’ native Nigerian, Emeka Okafor’s name translates to “God has done well.” Okafor, in his first year of NBA service after the expansion Charlotte Bobcats made him their No. 1 draft pick, seems to be doing quite well – no matter what language you speak.
The former University of Connecticut superstar power forward invaded the Meadowlands last night to take on the lowly 2-11 Nets, and 12 games into his NBA career, he’s beginning to flourish in the paint.
What’s more, he is finding the adjustment to the pro lifestyle to be not unlike his previous freshman experiences.
“I was a freshman in high school, a freshman in college at one point and now I’m a rookie,” said Okafor, who grew up in Houston. “So the cycle goes on. It’s the same position, it’s different and there are things you have to go through.”
Still, living his NBA dreams brings more glitz and glam than he was accustomed to in Storrs.
“Definitely,” Okafor said yesterday morning. “Without a doubt. It’s a lot more interesting, but there’s a lot more at stake as well.”
Take, for example, his schedule for yesterday: The morning began with a team meeting and practice at the Meadowlands. Before leaving the arena he participated in a radio interview with WFAN and then made his way to Fifth Ave. for an appearance at the NBA Store. He ended up back at the arena about two hours prior to last night’s opening tip.
While most of his teammates were holed up in their hotel rooms enjoying their pre-game naps, Okafor was trotting the city, playing the part of an NBA prodigy and doing the rounds.
His Bobcats (3-9) were winners of two of their previous three games, going into last night’s game against the Nets, and Okafor had registered double-doubles in four straight contests.
Off the court he is quiet and polite, but on the court he’s been plain nasty, averaging 12.4 points per game and 9.9 rebounds a night.
“I’m definitely getting more comfortable out there on the court,” he said. “But you just have to be patient, man. Got to be patient with a lot of things.”
Okafor can certainly learn how to be patient; that is, if he can find the time.
