First things first -- it's pronounced Ooo-chay Oh-fay-boo.
 
At first glance, the name can be intimidating and chances are you aren't going to get it on your first try, even though you've been looking at it for a few years now. Keep working at it, look beyond the surface, be patient and the name will eventually flow naturally and fit comfortably alongside those of Derksen, Watson and others.
 
Uche was a first team 5A all-state selection as a senior at John Paul Steven's High School in his native San Antonio. A top 150 high school recruit who had plenty of options, Uche decided to stay close to home and attend Southern Methodist University, where his brother Ike was an all-conference selection in 2006-07.
 
After appearing in 27 games as a freshman, it was time for a change of scenery. He transferred to USF, sat out the 2013-14 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules and appeared in just 14 games last year as a third-year sophomore as an injury curtailed his season in early February. Things weren't coming as easily as he thought they would.
 
"There was definitely an adjustment period for Uche," said head coach Rex Walters. "Sometimes when players transfer from a larger program, there's the false premise that things are going to be easier and that's just not the case. Uche's transformation began when he realized this wasn't going to be easy. He's embraced the challenge and has worked himself into a prominent role."
 
Embrace the challenge.
 
He played solid minutes the first two games of the season, scoring nine points against Illinois-Chicago and 11 against Rice. He then scored just 14 points over the next seven games and logged just eight minutes in a lopsided loss at Montana. Then something clicked against Cal State-Northridge game on Dec. 7.
 
He scored 11 points and pulled down nine rebounds in 29 minutes of action, playing loose and with passion. The game began a stretch in which he scored in double figures in six of seven games, including a career-high 18 point performance in USF's near-upset of 24th-ranked Gonzaga. He averaged 13.1 points, six rebounds and shot 55.0 percent from the floor over those seven games. He made his first career start against Pacific and has been a mainstay in the lineup ever since.
 
"His size, strength and athleticism allow his to guard four positions and he regularly draws the opposition's top scoring threat," said Walters. "He is a physical specimen who drives fearlessly to basket and he has made himself into an above average shooter with nothing more than hard work."
 
In other words, Uche got it. And once you get it, you'll want to say it again and again for the pure joy – Ooo-chay Oh-fay-boo!!!
 
"Know Your Dons" is an on-going feature on USFDons.com designed to personalize the student-athletes of the University of San Francisco. Meet @hoopking_5 -- Uche Ofoegbu.
 
Student Life
Favorite spot on campus: Koret Health Center
Favorite class: Public Speaking. The professor has made the class very enjoyable with his different celebrity impersonations.
Hardest class: Mobile Apps
Favorite place to study on campus: Gleeson Library
What experience made the biggest impact on you in the classroom? One-on-one work with my professors.
The best thing about USF: The diversity
 
Pop Culture
Favorite TV show: Power 
Favorite movie: In Too Deep or Horrible Bosses 2
Last book you read: The Bible. Amen and Hallelujah.
Favorite singer or band: Meek Mill
What's on your iPOD: Dream Chasers 3; no Drake
 
Team
Top skill: I'm a 2K professional, and I don't use the word professional lightly.
One thing you are always working on: My basketball skills 
One skill of one of your teammates you wish you had: Montray Clemons' rap skills
Pre-game rituals or superstitions before events: Lots of food and sleep
Funniest teammate: Cedric Wright
Favorite bonding moment with your team: Too many to list a specific one
 
Sports
Sports teams I follow: Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Texans, Texas A&M football.
Favorite athlete: LeBron James.
Favorite athletic memory: Dunking over people
Biggest sports thrill: Winning
My second-best sport: Football. I could have been the next Cam Newton. 
Sport I'm the worst at: Swimming 
Earliest sports memory: Picking up a basketball at age four
First sport you ever played: Basketball 
 
Food and Travel
Favorite meal: My mom's cooking
Favorite ethnic cuisine: Orange chicken 
Favorite snack food: Welches fruit snacks
Least favorite food: Vegetables
If I had to cook all of my meals, I'd survive on: Cereal and ramen noodles
Who is the best cook on the team: Montray Clemons - hands down 
If stranded on an island, what would you bring with you: I'd bring Beyoncé, Meagan Good, and the Crocodile Hunter.
Most interesting place you've ever visited: Toronto
Place you'd most like to visit someday: Paris
Favorite place in San Francisco: My bed 
Describe your perfect day in San Francisco: Every day is perfect 
 
This and That
Hobbies: Video games
Pick three words to describe yourself: Suavè, handsome and intellectual 
Early riser or night owl: Both
Something people would be surprised to know about me: I'm real quiet at first
Person I'd most like to meet: Beyoncé 
Talent I wish I had: I wish I could sing like Chris Brown mixed with Michael Jackson and a little bit of Usher.
Role models: My father and older brothers 
My parents were right when they said: Ain't no place like home 
Moment in my life I'll always remember: Christmas times and road trips with my family 
Things I collect: Pokemon cards. Ha, I'm just playing I don't collect anything.
In 10 years, I'd like to be: A billionaire 
If I could trade places with someone for a day, it would be: Bill Gates 
Three people from history you'd like to have dinner with: Jesus Christ, Biggie, Bernie Mac
Cats or dogs: Dogs 
Best advice you've ever received: Live everyday like it's your last. 
Describe your perfect day: Just me being the suave person I am 
Tell us about your hometown: I would have to write a book telling how great of a city I'm from. Just know my hometown is a place you want to visit.
 
In your own words, describe the student-athlete experience at USF: Life changing!