Sean Ogirri earned Mr. Colorado Basketball honors when he led Denver East High School to a 24-0 state championship season in 2004. He appeared on a regional cover of Sports Illustrated after he lifted Wichita State to the 2006 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 as a sophomore. When Shockers coach Mark Turgeon bolted for Texas A&M after Ogirri’s junior season, Ogirri decided it was time for a change. Wyoming invested a rare two years of scholarships for one year of eligibility on a rare player.
Ogirri leads the Mountain West Conference (counting all games) with 3.3 made 3-pointers a game, ranks ninth in scoring (14.9) and is shooting 94.3 percent from the free-throw line.
Denver Post staff writer Natalie Meisler caught up with him by phone in Logan, Utah, while the Cowboys spent New Year’s week competing in the Duel in the Desert, losing 90-85 to Utah State in overtime in the title game.
Q: What was it like to finally play after that long year sitting out as a transfer?
A: You are a little nervous at first. It’s good to be out there. It’s fun to be out there. I definitely feel stronger and quicker than I did before (at Wichita State). I read situations better. There are things I didn’t know how to do before.
Q: Usually guys transfer because they are not getting playing time, but you had a major role. Why did you leave Wichita State?
A: I heard Heath Schroyer (who recruited him for Portland State out of high school) was going to Wyoming, so I thought if I’d leave, I’d go there. Also, my AAU coach (Wyoming assistant Fred Langley). It’s a little closer to home. I’m comfortable with the players and coaches, and it makes me play to my potential. At Wyoming, I get to play more off the bounce. I’m getting more assists, and I’m more of a playmaker than just a shooter.
Q: (Wyoming senior guard) Brandon Ewing has been such a fixture for the Cowboys for four years. Do you help take the pressure off him?
A: It’s helped, definitely. Teams could key on Brandon before. Now he can go more one-on-one, and I can create, and they stay with me. It helps me; it helps him.
Q: Did you get homesick for the mountains when you went to Wichita State?
A: Maybe a little, but not really. I grew up in Springfield, Mass., and I moved to Denver for my junior and senior years in high school.
Q: Did Colorado or Colorado State recruit you out of Denver East?
A: No, but the University of Denver did.
Q: What’s it like to spend New Year’s week in the state of Utah (a three-game tournament at Utah State, staying over for the MWC opener at Utah)?
A: We’re here on a business trip, so I don’t think about it. My mom, sister and older brother are here, so that helps.
Q: What was it like to play at Pauley Pavilion (a 113-62 loss at UCLA) and all the history in that building?
A: The fans were crazy. I wasn’t nervous. I’ve played in the Sweet 16. The fans really get loud there. I didn’t think about the history. I just play games.
Q: Now that the MWC schedule is here, how do you feel about Wyoming’s chances?
A: A championship is what we strive for.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
Mile-high kudos
Ogirri’s five favorite things about attending Denver East:
1. “Denver is a beautiful place to be.”
2. “Coach (Rudy) Carey is hilarious. He’s the funnest guy to be around.”
3. “I got to the championship, and we were 24-0.”
4. “All the accolades I received.”
5. “We had great crowds, and everyone loves the basketball team.”
