ORU's Emmanuel Nzekwesi Selected For Dutch National Team

Oral Roberts men's basketball freshman Emmanuel Nzekwesi has been selected for the Netherlands National Team at the FIBA U20 Championships over the summer.

"It's an awesome feeling knowing that I can be out there not only representing my country but ORU and my family as well," said Nzekwesi on his selection. "It will give me a better feel for the game and playing all those games and practicing against good competition will help make me a better player."

The reigning Summit League Freshman of the Year will join a Netherlands squad that will face Great Britain, Russia, Slovak Republic and Azerbaijan in group B of the championship, which will be held in Romania in July.

 "Emmanuel has put himself in a wonderful position of representing his National Team due to his work ethic and character," said Head Coach Paul Mills. "I'm confident Emmanuel will have a wonderful experience and return a better player. It's a wonderful honor for him and he has our full support."

Nzekwesi was top 30 in the league in scoring and field goal percentage during his rookie season with ORU and was the top freshman in The Summit League in double-doubles (5), scoring (9.8 ppg), and rebounding (6.4 rpg). He had 17 rebounds in a game against Rogers State, tying him for the second most by anyone in the league in 2016-17. He scored a career-high 21 points with 13 rebounds against Michigan State and scored 20 points with 14 rebounds against Ole Miss. He was one of two Golden Eagles to start every game this season and finished fourth on the team in scoring and was the leading rebounder for the year.

During his offseason training, Nzekwesi will also be working out with Netherlands native and former NBA center Francisco Elson.

The Dutch team will face Russia in the first game on Sunday, July 16 and will conclude group play against Azerbaijan on July 19.