Tommy Lloyd knew Tobe Awaka was different from the moment he saw him. Lloyd noticed Awaka, then an 18-year-old at Tennessee, playing against Arizona. Lloyd had never heard of Awaka before that 2022 game.
Lloyd recalled a loose ball rebound situation where Awaka came out on top against multiple Arizona and Tennessee players. Awaka played limited minutes as a freshman but made the most of them, especially when it came to rebounds. He averaged 1.83 offensive rebounds per game in conference play, despite being 10th on the team in minutes, with only 10.3 per game.
Awaka’s Rise Through USA Basketball
Lloyd watched Awaka again the following summer at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary, where Awaka represented USA Basketball. Awaka started six of seven games and averaged a double-double. According to Awaka, representing his country and playing abroad was a great experience.
Despite this, Awaka’s role at Tennessee remained limited. As a sophomore, he averaged just 13.1 minutes per game and never started.
Transfer to Arizona and Impact
Awaka entered the transfer portal after his second season. Lloyd signed him without hesitation after his coaching staff heard consistent praise about Awaka’s character. Awaka said his time at Tennessee was super fun and that he wouldn’t be the person he is today without coach Rick Barnes and his Tennessee teammates and staff.
Awaka stated that Arizona was just the next step in his basketball journey and that his two years there have been wonderful. As a junior, Awaka started 36 of the Wildcats’ 37 games, despite never having started before. He made an impact on the national stage once Big 12 play began last season.
During conference play, he averaged 8.8 points and 8.0 rebounds, finishing fifth in the league in rebounding and fourth with nine double-doubles.
A Selfless Decision
An unexpected situation arose this year. With Motiejus Krivas returning from foot surgery and Koa Peat, a five-star freshman, joining the team, Awaka approached Lloyd with an idea.
Tobe Awaka explained his decision to approach Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd about coming off the bench and how it centered around constructing.