David Okwera: Where preparation meets opportunity

20 year old David Okwera has stepped up in a big way this season, providing Melbourne United with a bright spark in an otherwise inconsistent opening to the season.

Credit: May Bailey Photography

It’s been a challenging season so far for Melbourne United. Underwhelming imports, inconsistent results and a slew of injuries have left them with a modest 5-5 record heading into the NBL season’s November FIBA break.

Out of many areas of concern, the team’s front court appeared the most questionable to fall flat, with Next Star Ariel Hukporti succumbing to an Achilles tear in preseason, whilst forward Mason Peatling has yet to play a game this season with a knee injury. To compound issues, import forward Jordan Caroline famously underperformed, leading to head coach Dean Vickerman to publicly discuss their intent to replace him before he went down with a hamstring injury in late October.

Yet, amongst all the injuries, and ultimately as a result of the team’s many unavailabilities, a young star has started to emerge; a beacon of promise in an otherwise uninspiring opening act to the season.

Not only has David Okwera performed admirably for a young player thrust into significant minutes, the 20 year old has been an active positive in a starting role and a key presence in United’s victories thus far.

“This year I definitely wasn’t expecting to start. It’s been a lot, but I’ve embraced it and all the guys are helping me out and the coaching staff are making my life easier. It’s been fun,” Okwera reflected to The Pick and Roll earlier this week.

Of those helping him out within the team, Okwera singled out veteran David Barlow as a mentor throughout his time at Melbourne United thus far, providing tips and sage advice since signing with the team last year. In speaking with The Pick and Roll this week, Barlow spoke glowingly of his impact on the floor.

“I think he’s done a great job,” Barlow said.

“Certain things probably changed with the roster and he’s been presented with a great opportunity to contribute and win games, and he’s done that. He’s been really good in his role, he’s a smart player, he’s a player with obviously enormous potential, he cares about winning and he does things that contribute to the team winning the game that probably go unnoticed by the majority of people.”

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the highlight plays that earmark his potential. Every game, Okwera seems to dazzle with a awe-inducing block or dunk that show off the capabilities of his mobile 6’11 frame.

When Barlow describes the qualities that excite him about the young big however, the details are more cerebral.