Texas Longhorns Bolster Frontcourt With Major International Additions Lewis Obiorah and Declan Duru Jr. in 2025 Recruiting Class
The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball program made a bold and strategic statement this summer, securing the signatures of two promising international big men—Lewis Obiorah and Declan Duru Jr.—to fortify its 2025 recruiting class. Head coach Rodney Terry’s global recruiting efforts paid off handsomely, as the Longhorns look to reshape their frontcourt with length, versatility, and untapped potential ahead of their first full season in the Southeastern Conference.
Obiorah, a 6-foot-11 Nigerian native who played most recently in Spain, brings an imposing presence and elite rim protection ability. Meanwhile, Duru Jr., a 6-foot-9 forward from Germany with Nigerian heritage, offers a more modern skill set—stretching the floor, switching on defense, and showcasing an advanced feel for the game that has drawn comparisons to EuroLeague standouts. Together, the pair represents a significant shift in recruiting philosophy: a willingness to venture beyond borders to build a roster that can contend on the national stage.
The Longhorns, coming off a transitional period marked by coaching changes, conference realignment, and mixed on-court results, are clearly intent on forging a new identity built around size, physicality, and international talent. The addition of Obiorah and Duru Jr. underscores that commitment and gives the program two foundational pieces to build around for the next several years.
Lewis Obiorah: A Towering Anchor with Intriguing Upside
At 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Lewis Obiorah immediately jumps out as a physically gifted center who alters shots, controls the glass, and plays with a tenacity that can’t be taught. Originally discovered in Lagos, Nigeria, Obiorah moved to Spain as a teenager to further his development, playing for one of Europe’s most respected youth academies—Gran Canaria.
What sets Obiorah apart from traditional big men is his elite timing on shot blocks and an instinctive understanding of help-side defense. He averaged 2.8 blocks per game in Spain’s U18 league while also grabbing 9.2 rebounds and contributing 10.7 points. Though raw offensively, he’s shown flashes of a reliable hook shot, developing footwork, and an emerging ability to step out for mid-range jumpers.
Obiorah’s commitment marks a significant win for Texas, not just because of his ability, but because of the caliber of programs he turned down. Reportedly, Obiorah received serious interest from the likes of Kentucky, Arizona, and Michigan, all of whom are known for producing NBA-ready big men. However, it was Texas’ personalized development plan and coaching continuity that swayed him to Austin.
In a recent interview, Obiorah credited Rodney Terry’s vision for the future of the Longhorns: “Coach Terry believes in me. He doesn’t just see me as a rim protector. He sees me as someone who can lead, grow, and become one of the best in college basketball. That meant everything to me.”
Declan Duru Jr.: The Prototype of the Modern Forward
If Obiorah is the muscle in this recruiting class, then Duru Jr. is the finesse. The German-Nigerian forward has been one of the fastest-rising European prospects in the 2025 class, standing out at international showcases like the Adidas Next Generation Tournament and FIBA U18 European Championships. At 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds, Duru Jr. has the tools to play multiple positions on both ends of the floor.
What separates Duru Jr. from his peers is his all-around game. He can knock down three-pointers with confidence, handle the ball in transition, and facilitate out of the high post. On defense, his lateral quickness and anticipation make him a disruptive force in pick-and-roll coverage. He averaged 14.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists this past season with Alba Berlin’s junior team while shooting 38% from beyond the arc.
Duru Jr. had long been considered a prime candidate for professional development in Europe, with scouts expecting him to enter the EuroLeague or even test the NBA Draft waters early. But a campus visit to Austin in June changed everything.
“I felt at home,” Duru Jr. said in a statement announcing his commitment. “Texas gave me the structure of college basketball with the freedom to develop my game at the highest level. The competition in the SEC, the facilities, the coaches—it just made sense.”
According to Longhorns insiders, assistant coach Steve McClain played a pivotal role in Duru Jr.’s recruitment, traveling overseas multiple times and establishing a strong relationship with his family. The commitment is not just a talent win—it’s a cultural bridge for future European recruiting.
A New Frontcourt Identity in Austin
The simultaneous additions of Obiorah and Duru Jr. provide an immediate talent boost to a Texas roster that struggled at times with rim protection, rebounding, and post scoring last season. Their presence will alleviate pressure on returning forwards, offer flexibility in lineup combinations, and allow the Longhorns to match up better with the size and speed of top-tier SEC opponents like Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee.
Both players are expected to make an impact from day one, though their roles may evolve over time. Obiorah projects to start as a defensive anchor in the paint, allowing perimeter defenders to take more risks and play aggressively. Duru Jr. may come off the bench early in the season but has the potential to play starter-level minutes quickly, especially if he continues to shoot the ball well and defend multiple positions.
Texas now boasts one of the most intriguing frontcourts in the nation, with the raw athleticism of Obiorah and the polish of Duru Jr. complementing each other perfectly. This blend of international versatility mirrors the kind of roster construction seen in modern NBA teams—long, skilled, positionless, and adaptable.
International Recruiting Becoming a Texas Trademark
With the success of past international talents like Tristan Thompson and Myles Turner (both of whom had significant pro ties), Texas has always kept a close eye on global pipelines. But this year’s recruiting approach signals a more aggressive stance, embracing the globalization of basketball.
Coach Terry’s staff has prioritized relationships with overseas programs and scouts, and their effort is starting to pay dividends. Both Obiorah and Duru Jr. noted how Texas remained consistent throughout the recruiting process—watching them play in-person, hosting virtual film sessions, and emphasizing player development plans tailored to each athlete’s long-term goals.
This model may serve as a blueprint for future classes, particularly as the Longhorns seek to compete nationally and adapt to the evolving nature of the game. With NIL opportunities, strong player development programs, and elite facilities, Texas has positioned itself as a desirable landing spot for international stars looking for a springboard to the NBA.
Longhorn Nation Reacts
The response from fans and analysts has been overwhelmingly positive. Recruiting experts have quickly adjusted their rankings to reflect the significance of the additions, with Texas climbing into the top 10 of the 2025 class rankings across multiple platforms. NBA scouts have also taken note, with early projections listing Duru Jr. as a potential late first-rounder in the 2026 draft, and Obiorah as a high-upside second-round pick with room to climb.
Social media lit up following the official announcements, with former Longhorn players welcoming the duo and praising the coaching staff’s recruiting prowess. “Big-time pickups. Frontcourt is about to be scary,” tweeted former Texas forward Jericho Sims.
The Longhorns’ official account posted an image of Obiorah and Duru Jr. in burnt orange jerseys with the caption: “From Lagos to Berlin to Austin—welcome to the family. The Tower is rising again.”
Eyes on the Future
While much of the focus will be on how Obiorah and Duru Jr. perform during their freshman campaigns, the bigger picture is what their commitments symbolize. Texas is not just building a team—it’s building a global brand.
With the SEC move putting the Longhorns under a national spotlight, expectations are higher than ever. But now, with a frontcourt stacked with international talent, Texas has both the muscle and finesse to battle the elite. In an era of basketball defined by versatility, mobility, and global talent pipelines, the Longhorns have embraced the future—and made it their own.
Lewis Obiorah and Declan Duru Jr. are more than just recruits. They’re proof that Texas basketball is ready to rise—globally, relentlessly, and now.
