Maryland women’s basketball has finalized its roster for the upcoming season by signing forward Oluchi Okananwa, a transfer from Duke University. Okananwa announced her commitment on social media, generating excitement around her addition to the team.

Coach’s Perspective

Head coach Brenda Frese expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “What a great day to be a Terp. The final piece to a very special team. [Okananwa’s] IQ and athleticism are high level. She’s a dynamic player who will bring qualities to our perimeter that any team would love to have.”

Player Profile

The 5-foot-10 guard had a notable performance at Duke, averaging 10.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game last season. She earned recognition as the ACC Sixth Player of the Year and was part of the All-Freshman Team for her achievements in the 2024 season.

Notably, Okananwa shone during the 2025 ACC Tournament, where she averaged 16.3 points and 6.7 rebounds across three games, earning the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player title. Her standout performance included a remarkable shooting display from beyond the arc, hitting 10-of-11 three-point attempts and registering a career-high 22 points and 10 rebounds in the championship match against NC State.

Reason for Transfer

In her announcement, Okananwa emphasized her admiration for Coach Frese and the program, saying, “Coach Frese’s passion for the game and her players is unmatched, and she creates a culture where accountability, growth, and family matter. Maryland felt like home—a place where I knew I could grow both as a player and as a person.”

Past Performance Against Maryland

Contrasting her future at Maryland, Okananwa faced the Terps on November 10, where she recorded five points, two rebounds, and two assists along with three steals and two blocks in the only game she played at the Xfinity Center.

Looking Ahead

Despite never starting during her tenure at Duke, Okananwa showcased her potential with averages of 9.9 points and 5.7 rebounds over 71 games. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, her addition to Maryland is positioned to enhance the team significantly. Frese emphasized that Okananwa will thrive in their high-tempo playing style, noting, “She’s a two-way player who will be hard to play against. We know, because we played against her last season.”