On March 15, the Fullerton men’s basketball team secured its sixth state title in program history, and Yoda Oke was awarded the MVP of the State Tournament. He was also the Orange Empire Conference MVP during the regular season after a dominant sophomore season. Oke led the team with 15.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
It was far from being a smooth journey. In fact, he started the season with a torn labrum and also tore a ligament in his foot. When Oke got back to full strength, he showed off skill and athleticism. As a result, Oke ended up receiving several scholarship offers, eventually committing to Sam Houston State University.
“The coaching staff at Sam Houston is elite,” said Oke. “They are also gonna give me an opportunity and put me in a position to succeed. I get to do a lot of the things I was doing here at Fullerton, and now it’s just at the division one level.”
Like many talented young players, Oke’s ultimate goal is to make it into the NBA. He takes inspiration from players like Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Timberwolves Anthony Edwards’ game. He admires the way both players are able to create space from opponents in order to score the ball, elements that Oke tries to replicate in his games.
Whether it comes to shooting the ball or passing to his teammates, Oke handles the ball with grace. With his height advantage over most opponents, he rebounds at a high level and is able to transition from defense to offense quickly. Oke tends to handle the ball and push it down court. He usually finds his teammates or looks for his own shot.
During his freshman year, Oke attended the Air Force Academy to continue his basketball journey, where he was a cadet as well. After realizing it was not the best fit for him, he transferred to Fullerton College. The ultimate factor for his decision to play at Fullerton was none other than Head Coach Perry Webster.
“Coach Perry was the main thing. Before I got here, he won two state championships in 2019 and 2023. I wanted to go somewhere I could win, and then the goal is to come here and make it out to a division one school, which I did,” said Oke.
Webster and Oke developed a mutual relationship as the team finished the season on a high note. Oke’s intent when he came to Fullerton was to win a title. The Hornets finished the job by bringing home the 2026 state championship against the Rams of San Francisco.
“That was the most difficult game we played all year. We went in at halftime down 9 points, and then just rallied together. Jaqari went off, had like 25 in the second half, but everybody was making big plays. The whole team just kind of rallied together in the second half after a difficult first half,” said Oke.
The relationship with his teammates is very special and memorable, with the bond they shared throughout the season, it was more like a family. Even though Oke is not on the team anymore, he continues to work out at Fullerton and sees his teammates.
Not only have his teammates supported him, but Oke also has his family. His family makes an effort to attend every game. Someone very significant throughout his basketball journey was his grandpa.
“My grandpa is the first person who put a basketball in my hand, so he’s been along there for the entire journey, and he was able to come on a visit with me when I was trying to make my decision,” said Oke.
Before Oke played basketball, his first love and sport was soccer. He played both sports simultaneously throughout high school, where he attended Sonora High School. During his senior year, he was the captain of the soccer and basketball teams in the same season. His soccer experience has paid off, since his footwork has elevated him.
Balancing multiple hobbies has never hindered Oke, especially when it comes to his education. Coming straight out of high school, he was accepted into UCLA. Even now, he manages to prioritize his academics by maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout the year.
Outside of basketball and education, he spends time with his friends and family. Whether it is babysitting his brother or going to the beach with his friends. His other hobbies include playing chess and video games.
Throughout his journey, Oke has been able to rely on the people who have been close to him. As he continues to improve on his game, Oke will cherish this year’s basketball team.
“Just grateful, thanking God. Thankful to the people in my circle that have helped me get to where I am and happy that my teammates and I accomplish everything we set out to do,” said Oke.