After season ending win, seniors look to future
Firebirds seniors look forward to the future after seasoning ending win.
After a rocky season with a record of 11-17, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) men’s basketball team had much to celebrate after the last home game of the season when it defeated the New York Queens.
The Firebirds were quite productive in the first half of the game, ending with a nine point lead. The score was 36-27. As the game moved to the final quarter, senior game leaders Zachary Olukanni and Aaren Smith kept the energy high and led their team to victory.
Olukanni led the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Smith followed up and snatched 14 points and four rebounds.
The home crowd cheered for the Firebirds as they ended their season with a score of 72-55 over New York Queens.
Both players were really proud of this moment.
“I felt good about the game. It felt real comfortable out there, and it was a good win for us to end our last home game. And I’m also happy I was able to do well in front of my family,” said Olukanni
Smith said he felt pleased with his performance as well.
“I felt like “I felt like I didn’t have too many big moments like that. I had some moments in the game where I heard like a Woo Woo, but I feel like tonight it was a different level of intensity,” he said.
Aaren Smith snatched a double-double during the game. Photo: Cindy Ndebumadu.
This was Smith’s last year playing for UDC, but he plans to take his career a step further.
“I do want to stay in the United States and attempt to play in the NBA G league, or get a gig in the NBA. But if not, I am planning on going overseas to pursue my basketball career at the next level and see what happens from there,” said Smith.
Olukanni, also a senior, has really enjoyed his time at the school as well.
Zachary Olukanni 23, led the game by 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Photo Cindy Ndebumadu.
“I like it a lot; I like the system, I like the guys that I play with, and overall, it’s just a fun time being here coming to practice everyday, coming to work,” he said.
An urban sustainability major, Olukanni also wants to play professional ball when he graduates.
“Hopefully after my career at UDC, I’ll be playing overseas or in the G league,” he said.
The next basketball season for the Firebirds will begin in November 2020.
