| No. 4 – Astana | |
|---|---|
| Position | Small forward |
| League | VTB United League |
| Personal information | |
| Born | (1997-03-07)March 7, 1997 (age 28) Houston, Texas |
| Nationality | Nigerian / American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school |
|
| College | |
| NBA draft | 2020:undrafted |
| Playing career | 2020–present |
| Career history | |
| 2020 | Kauhajoki Karhu |
| 2021 | Vichy-Clermont |
| 2021–2022 | Pistoia Basket 2000 |
| 2022–2023 | San Giobbe |
| 2023–2024 | Kolossos Rodou |
| 2024–present | Astana |
Uzodinma Utomi (born March 7, 1997), better known asDaniel Utomi, is an American-born Nigerian[1] professionalbasketball player. He played college basketball forUSC andAkron.
Utomi attendedWestside High School inHouston, Texas. As a junior, he was named to the First-Team All-District. Utomi averaged 27 points and 14 rebounds per game as a junior, shooting 46 percent from three-point range. He garnered District Most Valuable Player honors after helping lead the Wolves to a 21–9 record and a spot in the regional tournament last season.[2] In April 2015, Utomi committed to play college basketball atAkron.[3]
After playing in two games as a true freshman, Utomi suffered a foot injury and was forced to redshirt the season.[4] Utomi averaged 4.8 points and 1.2 rebounds per game as a redshirt freshman. He took on a leadership role during his redshirt sophomore season due to the departure of much of the team as well as coachKeith Dambrot.[5] On November 18, 2017, Utomi scored a career-high 32 points and made a career-high seven three-pointers in a 76–59 win againstUT Martin.[6] As a redshirt sophomore, he averaged 16.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, shooting 40.6 percent from behind the arc. Utomi led Akron in scoring as a redshirt junior with 14.2 points per game while also averaging 5.5 rebounds 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, earning Honorable Mention All-Mid-American Conference recognition. Following the season, he decided to transfer toUSC as a graduate transfer, choosing the Trojans overNorth Carolina,Kansas, andVirginia.[4] Utomi was ranked the 23rd best graduate transfer according toESPN.[7] On February 15, 2020, he scored a season-high 23 points in a 70–51 victory overWashington State.[8] As a senior, Utomi averaged 8.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.[9]
On July 18, 2020, Utomi signed withKauhajoki Karhu of the FinnishKorisliiga.[10] In his debut on October 13, he scored 25 points in an 84–82 loss toHelsinki Seagulls.[11] Utomi averaged 12.6 points per game shooting 53.7 percent from three-point range. He bought out of his contract on December 4.[12]
On February 22, 2021, Utomi signed withJA Vichy-Clermont Métropole Basket of the FrenchLNB Pro B.[13] He averaged 11.9 points and 3 rebounds per game.
On September 11, 2021, Utomi signed withPistoia Basket 2000 of theSerie A2 Basket.[14]
Utomi spent the 2022–2023 season with Italian clubSan Giobbe, where he averaged 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 28 games.
On July 11, 2023, Utomi signed with Greek clubKolossos Rodou.
He has been part ofNigeria's national team at theAfroBasket 2021 inKigali, Rwanda.[1]