2015-16 Duke women's basketball player preview: Oderah Chidom

Oderah Chidom 
  • Year: Junior
  • Height 6-foot-4
  • Position: Forward
  • Last year's statline: 8.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.9 APG

Game Breakdown: Chidom is an effective presence on both ends of the floor thanks to her athleticism and size, which allowed her to finish fourth in both rebounding and scoring per game for last year’s team. The 6-foot-4 forward possesses strong abilities in the paint, making her an efficient scorer who can create scoring opportunities from anywhere around the rim. The Oakland, Calif., native shot nearly 70-percent from the free throw line last year, which will force opponents to think twice before sending her to the charity stripe. Chidom averaged 5.0 rebounds per game last season, proving that she can step in and be a contributor at the boards in the wake of Elizabeth Williams‘ departure.

Role on the team: After suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in February, Chidom will be eager to return to Duke’s rotation. She spent some time out of position as part of last year’s forward-heavy team, but Chidom will be a steady force around the post and in the paint this season now that the Blue Devils have plenty of guards. Chidom will be a valuable compliment to the team’s frontcourt and will lighten the load on sophomore Azurá Stevens by serving as another scoring option for Duke’s floor generals. The forward has a history of injuries—dislocating her shoulder three times last season—so her playing time could decrease if health continues to be an issue. 

Projected statline: 8.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.0 SPG

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