Laramie, Wyo. (August 24, 2020) – Incoming freshman forward Jeremiah Oden was one of five signees that was rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com. That group was the top-rated class in the Mountain West this season. Oden was a highly recruited talent that played at Sunrise Christian Prep in Kansas, one of the top programs in the country that has produced over 80 Division I players over the last decade.

Sunrise Christian had 39 players in the NCAA as season ago. Oden, a native of Chicago, Ill., played one prep season before signing with the Cowboys.

"I think prep school helped me with my discipline," Oden said. "It also taught me to show up every day and get better. The practices were so intense and I was playing against high-level players. It also helped me with my intensity and knowledge of the game."

Last season at Sunrise Christian Academy, Oden helped lead Sunrise Christian to an sixth ranking in the final National Prep Coaches Poll. Oden averaged 10 points per game to go along with five rebounds. An outstanding shooter, he shot 38 percent from behind the arc.

"When I first got to Sunrise Christian, we all were battling in practice," Oden said. "We played such good talent and it was great to be with a collection of great players on a team. You had to fight for every minute played and that helped me for the transition to college basketball."

Prior to his time at Sunrise Christian, Oden played at St. Rita High School in the Chicago area under head coach Gary DeCesare. Current assistant coach Shaun Vandiver is also a native of Chicago, which has made it a nice transition for Oden.

"Coach Vandiver and I have really clicked during my time at Wyoming and during the recruiting process," Oden said. "We had such an instant connection and I love having him on the coaching staff."

Oden led his high school team to a 24-9 record as a senior and helped lead his squad to a Chicago Catholic League title. Oden hit a Buzzer Beater to help lead his team to the title. He also earned All- Chicago Catholic League honors, as he recorded 15 points per game to go along with six rebounds as a senior. He had offers from over 10 schools, but saw a fit at Wyoming.

"The whole coaching staff here at Wyoming is so invested in the players and their success," Oden said. "It makes a big difference. I don't think I would be getting what I'm getting at Wyoming at any other school. From an individual growth standpoint and playing for a unique coach in coach Linder, his style has rubbed off on me."

Oden and the Cowboys have been in workouts since mid-July. Workouts have included lifting along with individual and team workouts.
 
"Fans are going to see a versatile player," Oden said.  "I'm very much a player that will do what needs to be done, whether that is rebounding, passing or shooting. Whatever the team needs. Also I hope to get the Arena-Auditorium rocking with some athletic plays."

GoWyo.com will catch up with all the newcomers to Cowboy Basketball this summer.