Oriakhi to transfer from UConn to Mizzou

Apr 14, 2012 - 1:20 AM Columbia, MO (Sports Network) - Alex Oriakhi, a 6-foot-9, 245-pound power forward who helped lead the University of Connecticut to the 2011 national championship, has decided to transfer to Missouri.

Oriakhi, who will have one year of eligibility remaining after transferring, can start playing immediately next season for the Tigers. That's due to the NCAA sanctions imposed on UConn.

He averaged 7.2 points and 6.8 rebounds over 109 games the past three seasons at UConn. Oriakhi also blocked 166 shots in that span.

"We're very excited to add a talented and proven player like Alex to our program," said Missouri coach Frank Haith. "Addressing our front court depth has been a major emphasis of ours for this next year, and when you add Alex to a group of newcomers including Stefan Jankovic, Ryan Rosburg and Tony Criswell, we are definitely heading the right direction. Alex is a very hard worker, he's somebody who we expect to fit into our program's culture right away."