Ovie Soko facts for kids
Soko taking a free throw for UAB
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| Free agent | |
|---|---|
| Small forward | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | 7 February 1991 Worcester Park, England |
| High school |
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| Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Listed weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College |
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| NBA Draft | 2014 / Undrafted |
| Pro career | 2014–present |
| Career history | |
| 2014–2015 | Boulazac Dordogne |
| 2015–2016 | Trikala Aries |
| 2016 | Enel Brindisi |
| 2016–2019 | Murcia |
| 2019–2020 | London Lions |
| 2020–2021 | Le Mans Sarthe |
| 2021–2022 | Shiga Lakestars |
| 2022–2023 | London Lions |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Ovie Soko (born 7 February 1991) is a British professional basketball player. He currently plays for the London Lions in the British Basketball League (BBL).
Before playing professionally, Soko played college basketball. He was part of the teams at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Duquesne University. In 2019, he also became famous for appearing on the British reality TV show Love Island. He finished third in the show.
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Early Life and High School Basketball
Ovie Soko went to Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia. In his only season there, he was a great player. He scored about 14.5 points and grabbed 7.5 rebounds per game. He also helped his team win a district championship.
Before Bethel, Ovie played at Hampton Roads Academy. As a junior, he averaged 17.1 points and 8.6 rebounds. He was also good at stealing the ball and blocking shots.
College Basketball Career
Playing for UAB
Ovie Soko started his college basketball journey at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). In his first year, he played in 28 games. He averaged 1.5 points and 1.9 rebounds.
In his second year, Ovie improved a lot. He played in 30 games and started 29 of them. He averaged 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. He was one of the best rebounders and shot blockers on his team.
For his third year at UAB, Ovie played in 30 games. He averaged 8.3 points and 6.8 rebounds. He also led his team in steals.
Playing for Duquesne
For his final year of college basketball, Ovie moved to Duquesne University. He started all 30 games he played. He was the team's top scorer and rebounder. He averaged 18.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
Ovie was the first Duquesne player in many years to lead the Atlantic 10 in scoring. He was also the only player in the conference to be in the top 10 for both scoring and rebounding.
Professional Basketball Career
After college, Ovie Soko was not chosen in the 2014 NBA draft. But he soon began his professional career.
Starting in France and Greece
On August 2, 2014, Ovie signed with Boulazac Dordogne in France. He played there for one season.
The next year, he moved to Greece. He signed with Aries Trikala for the 2015–16 season. He played well, averaging 16.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Later that season, he also played briefly for Enel Brindisi in Italy.
Time with Murcia in Spain
On August 5, 2016, Ovie joined UCAM Murcia in Spain. In his first season, he averaged 6.3 points and 3.2 rebounds.
He renewed his contract with Murcia for another season. During this time, he played in the Basketball Champions League. He averaged 13 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. He was even named to the Basketball Champions League Star Lineup. He signed with Murcia again in 2018.
Playing for London Lions
On November 20, 2019, Ovie Soko signed with the London Lions. He had a strong season, averaging 20.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Playing in France again
On July 9, 2020, Ovie signed with Le Mans Sarthe in France.
Return to London Lions
On July 8, 2022, Ovie Soko returned to the London Lions. He joined them to play in the British BBL and the EuroCup Basketball.
Career Highlights and Statistics
Ovie Soko has received several awards during his career. He was named to the French Basketball League Best Five in 2021. He was also part of the All-Champions League First Team in 2018 and Second Team in 2019. In college, he was a Third-team All-Atlantic 10 player in 2014.
In the 2019-2020 season with the London Lions, Ovie played 12 games. He averaged 19.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. He shot 47.3% from the field and 78% from the free-throw line.
National Team Career
Ovie Soko has also played for the Great Britain Men's national team. He first played for them on July 24, 2015, against New Zealand.
On February 24, 2020, he helped Great Britain win a big game. They beat Germany 81–73 in a FIBA EuroBasket 2021 Qualifying match. Ovie scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in that game.
Beyond Basketball: Love Island and Modelling
Reality TV Star
In 2019, Ovie Soko became a contestant on the fifth series of the British reality show Love Island. He became very popular on the show. Ovie and his partner, India Reynolds, finished in third place.
Modelling Career
After Love Island, Ovie also started a modelling career. On August 26, 2019, he announced a partnership with ASOS.com. He worked with his father, Raymond Soko, on an upcoming clothing collection.
Personal Life
Ovie Soko was born in England. His parents are from Nigeria.
See also
In Spanish: Ovie Soko para niños
