| Updated: 8/02/2012 10:41 pm |
Published: 8/02/2012 10:15 pm
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TULSA, Okla. – The University of Tulsa junior basketball student-athlete Kodi Maduka will not continue playing competitive basketball at TU and due to health reasons his playing career for the Golden Hurricane has come to an end, the University announced Thursday.
Maduka collapsed on Wednesday, April 4, in a pick-up basketball game on the TU campus. He was transported to St. Francis Hospital and remained there for observation and tests for six days. Doctors have discussed Kodi’s condition with the Maduka family and the decision that his playing career should not continue at TU.
“This is obviously heartbreaking for Kodi and his family as well as for our basketball program, but Kodi’s health is most important. Although he is unable to continue playing basketball, Kodi remains on scholarship at The University of Tulsa to continue his education,” said first-year Head Basketball Coach Danny Manning. “We will do everything we can to help Kodi through this transition. He is still a valuable member of our basketball program and will be involved with us daily.”
“I am blessed to be alive and healthy, and I’m doing perfectly fine,” Maduka said. “I look forward to the upcoming school year and continuing to be a part of the TU basketball program, while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering. I am anxious to help the younger guys on the team in their transition to college and doing what I can to help my teammates. I am extremely fortunate to have this opportunity.”
“The outpouring of support and prayers throughout this time has been incredible. My family and I would like to thank the athletic department, the athletic trainers, my teammates, Coach Manning and the coaching staff for their rapid response and their continuing encouragement. I also owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Tulsa community, the university, the fans and the media for their support throughout my career,” added Maduka.
Maduka completed his sophomore season in March and played a total of 62 career games over his two seasons, while starting 29 of 30 games last year. He ends his career with 320 points (5.2 pg), 283 rebounds (4.6 rpg) and 78 blocked shots (1.3 bpg).
In 2011-12, Maduka averaged 8.1 points and a team-leading 6.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots in helping the Golden Hurricane post an overall 17-14 record. He scored in double figures 11 times and had six double-doubles, while shooting 52 percent from the field in 22.7 minutes of playing time.
As a redshirt freshman in 2010-11, Maduka scored 2.4 points per game and grabbed 2.9 rebounds in 32 contests.
Maduka redshirted the 2009-10 season as a true freshman. He came to Tulsa after lettering two years at Arlington Martin High School.
Story courtesy of TU media relations.
