In a thrilling matchup against Central Michigan, Felix Okpara of Ohio State proved to be the standout player of the night. The native of Nigeria dazzled the crowd with six scintillating dunks, leading his team to an impressive 88-61 victory. Okpara's performance not only showcased his offensive prowess but also highlighted his continued growth as a dominant force on the glass.

Okpara had a career-best outing, scoring 14 points on a perfect six-of-six shooting, with all of his baskets coming from thunderous dunks. However, it was his presence on the boards that truly impressed, as he secured nine rebounds, evenly distributed between four on offense and five on defense.

The game against Central Michigan marked the fourth consecutive outing in which Okpara recorded seven or more rebounds. This consistent performance is a testament to his dedication to improving his rebounding skills, as he averaged just 2.7 rebounds per game in the first three contests of Ohio State's 2023-24 season.

Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann praised Okpara's growth on both ends of the court, emphasizing his commitment to rebounding. Holtmann specifically highlighted a critical tip-out play that Okpara executed during the game, underscoring the team's focus on improving their rebounding efforts.

Okpara attributed his improved rebounding numbers to a change in mentality, acknowledging the importance of being assertive down low and battling for each rebound. He shared a conversation with one of the coaches, who highlighted the mentality of a player he had previously coached: approaching rebounds as a one-versus-nine battle. Okpara embraced this mindset shift, becoming more aggressive and determined on the glass.

In addition to his rebounding prowess, Okpara showcased an increased desire to score. His six dunks ignited the crowd and brought the rims to their limits. It was Texas Tech transfer Roddy Gayle Jr. who repeatedly found Okpara for these highlight-reel slams, contributing seven assists to his career-high performance against Central Michigan.

The chemistry between Gayle and Okpara was evident, as their connections led to some of the most emphatic plays of the game. In one remarkable sequence, Gayle drove into the lane, drew multiple defenders, and lobbed the ball to Okpara, who emphatically slammed it home, posterizing Central Michigan's Brian Taylor in the process.

Reflecting on his performances, Okpara emphasized the team's camaraderie and their collective commitment to supporting one another. He expressed gratitude for his teammates' trust and the opportunities they provided him on offense.

Holtmann acknowledged Okpara's offensive development, crediting the guards' improvement in pick-and-roll and ball-screen plays. The ability of the guards to read defenses and make the right decisions has allowed Okpara to excel, as he capitalizes on the attention drawn by his teammates.

Despite the impressive showing, Holtmann believes there is still room for Okpara to grow, particularly in terms of rebounding. He emphasized the need for Okpara to get stronger and secure the ball more effectively after grabbing a rebound. Holtmann's high expectations for Okpara reflect the coach's confidence in the young player's potential.

With his receptive attitude and work ethic, Okpara is poised for further improvement. His continued growth bodes well for Ohio State's future, and as a sophomore, he has already made significant strides in his game.

Felix Okpara's outstanding performance against Central Michigan serves as a testament to his development as a player. His dominant presence on the glass and impressive offensive skills have solidified his role as a critical asset for Ohio State. As the season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Okpara's continued growth and the impact he will undoubtedly have on the team's success.