Utah Tech Big Man pacing WAC

Hamed "Larry" Olayinka was known as a difference maker when the 6-9 big signed with Utah Tech prior this offseason.

Coach Judkins on the topic of Olayinka said that:

"Larry has the ability to impact a game on both sides of the court with his length and ability to move, and he's a great young man. Our fans are going to love him." (utahtechtrailblazers.com)

Olayinka has proven Coach Judkins’ comments to be truthful this season.

Coming out of Garden City Community College, Larry had blocked 5 shots in a single game and had rattled off six games of multiple blocks.

So, it’s not shocking to see Olayinka record at least a block in 10 of Utah Tech’s 11 games early this season.

What has been a revelation is the last five games where Olayinka’s impact has transcended from being a shot blocker to a paint controller.

The aforementioned five block performance against CSUN was the biggest sign of how Hamed will impact games moving forward.

In the narrow defeat Olayinka took more shots than he has all season (8), scored his second highest point total of the year (10) and snagged more rebounds than any other time of the year (6).

On top of all this, he was on the floor longer than any other time this season logging 21 minutes.

The next game VS the University of North Dakota saw Olayinka’s upward trend continue with a 20-minute, 75 percent shooting, 9 points, 4 blocks and 4 rebounds for a great overall showing.

His usage and impact seem to grow game by game and for Trailblazer fans. He is a key name to watch as the program continues to grow and evolve.

Utah Tech will try to snap their three-game skid when they travel to Boulder to take on Colorado.