Oklahoma State University Athletics
Photo by: Oklahoma State University Athletics
Globetrotting Her Way To Stillwater
September 24, 2024 | Cowgirl Basketball
Praise Egharevba's road to Stillwater and the Oklahoma State women's basketball team began 4,815 miles away in Papenburg, Germany.
Egharevba's basketball dreams took her on a whirlwind adventure across Europe before eventually leading her to OSU.
Her path to Stillwater was not straightforward, but rather a globe-spanning adventure that took her from her native Nigeria to Germany and eventually to the United Kingdom, where she honed her skills in one of Europe's top women's basketball leagues.
"The whole decision was pretty spontaneous," Egharevba said. "I literally left Papenburg, Germany, in the middle of the school year."
Her aunt in London had suggested that moving to England would benefit her basketball career and her academic growth.
That change led Egharevba to the Nottingham Wildcats, where she thrived. Competing against older, stronger women in the Women's British Basketball League sharpened her skills and she became one of the league's top players, earning WBBL Young Player of the Year honors after averaging 11.3 points and 11.6 rebounds per game in 2021-22.
"It really helped me mature because I was 15 years old, on my own and away from my mom," Egharevba said. "It really helped me as a player getting to play against all of these bigger, stronger and more experienced women."
It was during her time with the German national team that Praise caught the attention of college recruiters, particularly OSU associate head coach Jhasmin Player.
"Coach Player found me," Egharevba said. "That is how I really got my exposure … from live streams and the EuroCup."
Over the years, Player stayed in touch and when OSU head coach Jacie Hoyt came calling, the decision to join the Cowgirls felt right.
Praise immediately connected with Hoyt, whose passion and investment in her players stood out.
"She really wanted to get to know me as a player and as a person and she was just super open about it and super passionate," Egharevba said. "I really love that about her because I'm very passionate."
After redshirting her first year at OSU, she was eager to finally step on the court during the 2023-24 season. She made the most of her opportunities, playing in 26 games and starting six.
Her breakout performances included a career-high 14 points and seven rebounds in OSU's win at TCU as well as a 13-rebound outing at Kansas, demonstrating her potential as a key player.
But more than stats, Praise has brought energy and leadership to the team.
"I am the energy giver and I love to hype my team up," Egharevba said.
After spending a season watching from the sidelines, she relished the opportunity to contribute on the court.
Being away from family can be difficult for many people and Egharevba is no different. However, the distance from her family does not affect her often thanks to her No.1 supporter — her mother.
"My mom has always been my biggest supporter and she's always given me tough love," Egharevba said. "She is the one who really pushed me, she is the one who sent me to the United Kingdom to get a chance at going for a career like this so yeah, all love to Mom."
As Praise continues to grow on and off the court, she embraces the cultural differences between Europe and the United States. One of the biggest shocks for her was experiencing American football for the first time.
"I love the tackles. The tackles are crazy, so fun," Egharevba said. "But yeah, definitely don't have that in Germany."
Looking ahead, Praise is determined to make the most of her time at OSU. Whether it's grabbing rebounds or cheering on her teammates, she is committed to giving her best in everything she does.
As Praise continues to adapt to life in Stillwater, her journey is just beginning.
Egharevba's basketball dreams took her on a whirlwind adventure across Europe before eventually leading her to OSU.
Her path to Stillwater was not straightforward, but rather a globe-spanning adventure that took her from her native Nigeria to Germany and eventually to the United Kingdom, where she honed her skills in one of Europe's top women's basketball leagues.
"The whole decision was pretty spontaneous," Egharevba said. "I literally left Papenburg, Germany, in the middle of the school year."
Her aunt in London had suggested that moving to England would benefit her basketball career and her academic growth.
That change led Egharevba to the Nottingham Wildcats, where she thrived. Competing against older, stronger women in the Women's British Basketball League sharpened her skills and she became one of the league's top players, earning WBBL Young Player of the Year honors after averaging 11.3 points and 11.6 rebounds per game in 2021-22.
"It really helped me mature because I was 15 years old, on my own and away from my mom," Egharevba said. "It really helped me as a player getting to play against all of these bigger, stronger and more experienced women."
It was during her time with the German national team that Praise caught the attention of college recruiters, particularly OSU associate head coach Jhasmin Player.
"Coach Player found me," Egharevba said. "That is how I really got my exposure … from live streams and the EuroCup."
Over the years, Player stayed in touch and when OSU head coach Jacie Hoyt came calling, the decision to join the Cowgirls felt right.
Praise immediately connected with Hoyt, whose passion and investment in her players stood out.
"She really wanted to get to know me as a player and as a person and she was just super open about it and super passionate," Egharevba said. "I really love that about her because I'm very passionate."
After redshirting her first year at OSU, she was eager to finally step on the court during the 2023-24 season. She made the most of her opportunities, playing in 26 games and starting six.
Her breakout performances included a career-high 14 points and seven rebounds in OSU's win at TCU as well as a 13-rebound outing at Kansas, demonstrating her potential as a key player.
But more than stats, Praise has brought energy and leadership to the team.
"I am the energy giver and I love to hype my team up," Egharevba said.
After spending a season watching from the sidelines, she relished the opportunity to contribute on the court.
Being away from family can be difficult for many people and Egharevba is no different. However, the distance from her family does not affect her often thanks to her No.1 supporter — her mother.
"My mom has always been my biggest supporter and she's always given me tough love," Egharevba said. "She is the one who really pushed me, she is the one who sent me to the United Kingdom to get a chance at going for a career like this so yeah, all love to Mom."
As Praise continues to grow on and off the court, she embraces the cultural differences between Europe and the United States. One of the biggest shocks for her was experiencing American football for the first time.
"I love the tackles. The tackles are crazy, so fun," Egharevba said. "But yeah, definitely don't have that in Germany."
Looking ahead, Praise is determined to make the most of her time at OSU. Whether it's grabbing rebounds or cheering on her teammates, she is committed to giving her best in everything she does.
As Praise continues to adapt to life in Stillwater, her journey is just beginning.
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