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Former Villanova Wildcats center Daniel Ochefu might not have heard his name called during the 2016 NBA Draft, but it didn't take long for the accomplished big man to find a new home.
As fate would have it, it's not too far from The City of Brother Love at all, as a simple trek down I-95 will bring Ochefu from Philadelphia to Washington D.C, as Ochefu signed with the NBA's Washington Wizards late last night following the conclusion of the festivities in Brooklyn.
Tim Bontemps, NBA writer for The Washington Post, had the news first just shy of 3 a.m. ET on the east coast.
Daniel Ochefu will sign with the Wizards as an undrafted free agent, per league source. One of a few guys they've landed tonight.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) June 24, 2016
The hopes for Ochefu center around his ability to play as well as he did around guard Ryan Arcidaicono, Darrun Hilliard, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and others with talents like John Wall, Bradley Beal (should the Wizards bring him back) and others that the Wizards will trot out next season. If he makes the roster, he will join fellow big man Marcin Gortat among others and should perform well under new head coach Scott Brooks.
Wizards fans will be pleased with his rebounding abilities, as our own Pierce Roberson described here:
Ochefu is exceptional on the glass, ranking in the top 40 of DR% in the last two seasons, although his numbers on the glass took a hit last season. He pulled down 7.5 rebounds a game last season, and his presence inside makes it easier for perimeter shooters to chuck up the basketball knowing Chef is down low working the boards.
If he can improve his offensive game then he will be nothing if not a weapon for Washington off the bench if he is to make the roster. He will no doubt be given a chance, and that's about all that you can ask for.
Best of luck to Ochefu with the Wizards!