SMU Athletics

Chamberlain “Champ” Oguchi is in his second season (2019-20) as a graduate manager. Oguchi, a two-time Olympian, came to the Hilltop after an eight-year professional career.

Oguchi played for the Nigerian national team at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He also led Nigeria to its first ever AfroBasket championship in 2015 and was named the tournament’s MVP. He averaged 16 points in two career matchups against Team USA squads that included LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul.

“Champ was an outstanding player for me several years ago,” said SMU?Head Coach Tim Jankovich. “He went on to a tremendous pro career and played in two Olympics. He was always a great student and dedicated worker. He has a bright future in coaching.”

Oguchi played under Jankovich at Illinois State from 2007-09 and was named the 2009 Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year. He also earned recognition on the 2009 All-MVC Second Team and the 2009 MVC All-Tournament Team. Prior to Illinois State, Oguchi played at Oregon from 2004-07 and was the team’s Most Improved Player in 2005 and 2006. A member of the 2007 Pac-10 All-Tournament Team, he led the Ducks to the Pac-10 championship and a run to the NCAA Elite Eight.

A veteran of the professional game, Oguchi played for the Maine Red Claws of the NBA G-League in addition to stops in France, Spain, Russia, Poland, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, China, Lebanon and the Philippines. He graduated from Illinois State in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.