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Georgia Tech Basketball: Despite suspension and injury, Okogie hasn’t missed a beat

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

DURHAM, NC - JANUARY 04: Jayson Tatum
DURHAM, NC - JANUARY 04: Jayson Tatum /
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Despite missing eight games with suspension and injury, Josh Okogie has quickly returned to form and hasn’t missed a beat.

Sophomore guard Josh Okogie has played in six games this year but he seems to be picking up right where he left off last season. The Snellville, Georgia native through six games is averaging 20 points per game this season and is coming off a 30-point game against Miami.

Since his return on December 17th, Okogie has yet to fail to put up double-digit points. His lowest point output of the season was 13-points against Coppin State. Other than that performance, Okogie has scored at least 16 points in each game and has scored 20 or more, three times.

Since returning to the Jackets, Okogie has been without a doubt their main scoring option. The sophomore has a usage rate of 28.6% which has helped offset his struggles shooting wise. While he is averaging 20-points per game, Okogie has shot just .409/.381/.688. All are lower than his shooting percentages from last season of .481/.429/.740.

That being said, Okogie is still getting the rust off from his absence earlier this season. While his numbers are substantially lower than a year ago, Tech fans shouldn’t be worried. In three different games this season, Okogie has shot above 40%. In those three games, he’s shooting .479 from the field, in his three other games, he’s shooting .325 from the field. In reality, Okogie’s numbers should rise over the next few weeks as he finds more consistency going forward.

The other good news with Okogie is that the 19-year old has lowered his turnover percentage from 12.5% to 7.5%. He has also slightly raised his steal percentage from 2.4% to 3.3% which isn’t a lot but makes a difference.

Next: Georgia Tech Basketball upsets No. 15 Miami 64-54 in Atlanta

Overall, Okogie’s season has gotten off to a rather strong start. While not all his numbers are where Josh Pastner or Okogie would like them, it’s a great sign of what is to come for the future NBA guard. Once Okogie finds consistency, he will be one of the most dangerous players in the nation.