CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Southern Illinois University women’s basketball team has signed Gift Uchenna Okeke, a transfer forward originally from Abuja, Nigeria.

Okeke is a 6-foot-3 forward who will be an incoming junior, transferring from Shih Hsin University in Taiwan.

“Gift is a player with a beautiful soul that loves the game,” head coach Kelly Bond-White said. “Her energy is contagious. Her stats and ability to dominate speak for themselves. What we love is the explanation behind her why. While the love of the game is paramount to her, her mind is never too far from her family and coaches back home. She wants to keep getting better to be able to help and provide for herself and them.”

On the court, Okeke is a fierce competitor with a strong touch around the rim. The forward can also shoot the high post shot, attack off the dribble, and has a strength in rebounding.

“She wants to play at a higher level and is pushed to be one of the best ever,” Bond-White said. “Our staff could show her the proven development and opportunity to flourish in our system at that position. I’m excited not just for Gift, but the wave of energy that is permeating through our office as this team begins to take full shape. She will definitely be a GIFT to our Southern Illinois community. I know our family will welcome her with open arms and show her why this is a special place.”

Last season, Okeke’s top performance came in a game where she scored 32 points and grabbed 27 rebounds.

Okeke is coming off two championship seasons in college prior to arriving at Southern Illinois. The transfer is coming off a season where she was named tournament MVP, Rebound Queen, and Block Queen. Okeke is the first player from Nigeria to uphold these honors in Taiwan.

The junior plans to continue studying English Literature at SIU.