Iowa State Men’s Basketball: Nkereuwem Okoro Transfers to Rutgers

Nkereuwem Okoro is set to play for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

There’s not too many stories on Iowa State players transferring from the men’s basketball program, but one player that’s dealt with personal tragedy has decided to move closer to home.

Nkereuwem “Kerwin” Okoro (first name pronounced kur-AH-whum) will transfer to Rutgers next season with three years of eligibility remaining. According to a report from NJ.com, the guard will apply for a hardship waiver to play as soon as next season, waiving the one-year rule the NCAA enforces on players to sit out when transferring to another school.

Okoro confirmed the transfer on Twitter earlier today:

A reason that it could go through is because Okoro has dealt with his father and older brother dying in a span of three months during last season. One of the more memorable moments was when Okoro made a 3-point shot when playing against the TCU Horned Frogs later in February after coming back from his brother’s funeral.

Rutgers has been in the news for other reasons. Deadspin reported their newly hired coach Eddie Jordan didn’t receive a diploma from Rutgers as the school stated. He later admitted that he didn’t graduate, and the school said that the statement was “in error.”

It’s hard to imagine what Okoro went through this season having to play through tragedy, but hopefully the athlete will find comfort heading back home and playing with the Scarlet Knights.