Indiana Univ.- Indianapolis NCAA1 USA Passport
Indiana Univ.- Indianapolis NCAA1 USA Passport
Ese Onakpoma
G/W 6’4” (1.94m) / 195lbs (88kg)
Arizona Christian Univ. '26 (NAIA)
USA Passport
Ese is a two-time NAIA All-American guard and four-year college player known for his phenomenal athleticism, high motor, efficient finishing, defensive stopper with versatility and disruptive playmaking. He is a highly decorated player and a consistent winner!
While at Arizona Christian Univ. [ACU], Onakpoma progressed from 2025 NAIA Third Team All-American to 2026 NAIA First Team All-American while earning conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in both seasons. He finished his senior year at 16.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 55.8% from the field. He is the most decorated player ACU's history as he was selected with All-American honors in back to back seasons.
Over his two seasons at ACU and two at Peninsula Jr. College, he acummulated numerous awards and recognition.
2026 ACU
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NAIA First Team All-American
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NABC NAIA All-America Team
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NABC NAIA West All-Region Team
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NAIA National All-Tournament recognition
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All-GSAC • GSAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year
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GSAC Co-Regular-Season Champion
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NAIA National Qrts
2025 ACU
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NAIA Third Team All-American
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All-GSAC • GSAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year
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NAIA National All-Tournament recognition
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GSAC Regular-Season Co-Champion
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GSAC Tournament Champion
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NAIA Fab Four
2024 Peninsula Jr. College
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NABC NWAC All-American
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NWAC North Region Defensive Player of the Year
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NWAC North First Team / First Team All-Region
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NWAC Player of the Week (Jan. 15–21)
2023 Peninsula Jr. College
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NWAC North Region Defensive Player of the Year
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NWAC North Region Champion (Peninsula College)
'25-26 Arizona Christian Highlights
'25-26 ACU Games
vs Freed Hardeman [#2 Red]
27 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Asst, 2 Blk, Stl
Experience
ARIZONA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY — 2024–26
2025–26 (Senior) 33 games • 16.4 PPG • 4.7 RPG • 1.8 APG • 1.5 SPG • 1.0 BPG • 55.8% FG.
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Led ACU in scoring and blocks; 48 steals and 61 assists. Scored a season-high 28 points vs. Carroll (MT). Averaged 19.3 points over four NAIA Tournament games, including 27 against eventual national champion Freed-Hardeman.
2024–25 (Junior) 34 games (29 starts) • 13.6 PPG • 4.2 RPG • 1.5 APG • 1.7 SPG • 56.4% FG • 40.6% 3PT.
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Scored 463 points, led ACU with 58 steals, and helped the Firestorm win the GSAC Tournament and reach the NAIA Fab Four. Season high: 26 points vs. Hope International.
PENINSULA COLLEGE — 2022–24
2023–24 (Sophomore) 30 games • 19.5 PPG • 6.2 RPG • 2.8 APG • 1.8 SPG • 1.1 BPG.
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NABC NWAC All-American, North Region Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Region. Named NWAC Player of the Week after averaging 29.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 blocks in two wins. Career-highlight 39-point performance at Everett.
2022–23 (Freshman) 28 games • 11.1 PPG • 4.3 RPG • 1.6 APG • 1.2 SPG • 0.6 BPG.
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NWAC North Region Defensive Player of the Year and member of Peninsula's North Region championship team.
NAUGATUCK HIGH SCHOOL — CONNECTICUT
Four-year varsity guard. Three-time All-State and three-time All-NVL selection; helped Naugatuck win two NVL championships. As a senior, averaged 19.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists, was named the NVL's top senior and MVP of the NVL Tournament final. Surpassed 1,000 career points. Also an accomplished track & field athlete, earning CHSCA All-State honors as a senior.
SELECTED CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
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Two NAIA All-America selections in two ACU seasons: Third Team (2025) → First Team (2026).
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Four consecutive college seasons averaging at least 1.2 steals per game.
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Senior season: 55.8% from the field while averaging 16.4 points per game.
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'24 Peninsula season: 19.5 pts, 6.2 rebs, 2.8 assts, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.
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39 pts at Everett (Peninsula); 28-point ACU senior-season high vs. Carroll (MT).
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Proven postseason production: 19.3 PPG across four games in the 2026 NAIA National Tournament.