November 22, 2017

By Dylan Edwards, SMUMustangs.com

DALLAS - Late in the first quarter on Monday night, former SMU standout Semi Ojeleye made his on-court return to Dallas, checking into the game against the hometown Mavericks to a nice ovation as a member of the visiting Celtics.
 
Just a year ago, Ojeleye and his teammates were about to begin the run of 26 wins in 27 games to lead the Mustangs back in the tournament by way of sweeping both the AAC regular season and tournament championships.
 
"Winning those two championships, I don't think I'll ever be on a team that close," Ojeleye said. "I enjoyed it. It was a great year for us."
 
Now, he's a contributor on a Celtics' team that's pretty special in its own right, off to the hottest start in the NBA this season. Ojeleye has become very accustomed with winning basketball.  
 
"Everything and nothing (is the same)," Ojeleye said. "It's still basketball, but the level is higher. All of these guys are world-class. If you fall asleep for a play or a possession, something bad is going to happen. You need to be sharp and focused and realize this is the highest level."
 
It's always difficult to transition to the next level. Ojeleye was helped out some by the type of style SMU plays under head coach Tim Jankovich now as well as during his time under Larry Brown. Adding to that, he had experience playing alongside high-level guys at SMU like Sterling Brown, currently with the Bucks, and Ben Moore, currently with the Pacers.
 
"Defense first, obviously," Ojeleye said. "That's what helped us win last year. That's what's helped us win at this level. That makes the transition easier. The offense that Coach Brown and Coach run is similar. A lot of ball screens and spreading the floor and read the action."
 
While Ojeleye showed during his college career that he has plenty of upside on the offensive end of the court, as a rookie in the NBA he's found his niche as a wing defender. A second round pick in the NBA draft isn't even guaranteed a roster spot, but Ojeleye has worked his way into seeing the court consistently each game with that defensive mindset.
 
"I just try to get better every day. It's the same thing I've been doing," Ojeleye said. "It's every night, welcome to the NBA. I'm guarding guys that I watched when I was a kid. You try to take it all in stride the best you can and not think about. Some nights, you're guarding Dirk or Lebron and all those guys. It's just a blessing."
 
Ojeleye's trip to Dallas didn't just include the game against the Mavericks. He also made his way back to campus to catch up in person with SMU basketball.
 
"It was good," Ojeleye said. "It was great to be back in that gym. I wish I had gotten to see more of the guys, but they had to go to Atlantis. It always good to be back. It still feels like home. I love those guys. Whenever I get a chance, I'll be back."