Nigerian centre Stephanie Okechukwu makes her Texas Tech debut at 7ft 1in, recording six points, 10 rebounds and three blocks

Nigerian basketball player Stephanie Okechukwu made her debut for Texas Tech on Thursday night, drawing attention as the tallest woman in college basketball at 7 feet 1 inch.

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The 21-year-old freshman centre recorded six points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes as the Lady Raiders defeated Charlotte 64-37 in their season-opening game.

Okechukwu scored her first college points from the free-throw line, converting two attempts. Destinee Hooks led Texas Tech with 16 points in the victory.

Despite the promising numbers, Texas Tech head coach Krista Gerlich said Okechukwu was not satisfied with her performance, adding that the young centre had considerable room to develop.

“She does not think she played well,” Gerlich said. “I’m excited for her and it’s only going to get better. There is definitely more.”

Okechukwu’s height places her above the previously listed tallest players in women’s college basketball, Middle Tennessee State freshman Nicole Dominguez and Eastern Illinois sophomore Abbie Boutilier, both of whom are listed at 6 feet 10 inches.

The Nigerian signed with Texas Tech in January but did not feature for the team last season.

After completing her high school career in Japan in 2024, she divided her time between playing in an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) league in the Philippines and training in Nigeria.

Her route to college basketball also involved an eligibility appeal. Okechukwu was initially limited to two years of college eligibility because a period away from organised competition was classified as a gap year.

However, after Texas Tech appealed to the NCAA for a waiver, she was granted four years of eligibility.

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Her debut marks the beginning of her college career, with the Lady Raiders expected to continue developing the young centre as she adjusts to the demands of the university game.