Daniel Oturu ’18: CDH Sets the Stage to Go Pro

by Greta Cunningham '23, Communications Intern

He generously gives back to the place he loves.

During his senior year, Daniel Oturu ’18 became Cretin-Derham Hall’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocks per game. Now, he’s a professional basketball player for Hapoel Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague, but even while playing around the globe, Oturu hasn’t forgotten his roots in Saint Paul. 

“My parents always taught me to never forget where you came from, and I feel like CDH is one of the places I came from,” he said. “That’s why I wanted to give back to school and show just a little of my appreciation for the community that’s helped me get to where I am today.”

Oturu sees CDH as the foundation of his basketball career—two years of D1 college basketball at the University of Minnesota, three years in the NBA, and now two years in the EuroLeague. 

He thinks he first started to believe he could go pro as a sophomore at CDH. 

“I was just a young kid, but I really had that belief. I think the basketball situation I was in at CDH had given me the utmost confidence in myself. It gave me the confidence to believe that I could play at the highest level, whether in the NBA or in Europe.”

Daniel Oturu '18

Looking back, winning the State Championship during his senior year of high school still stands out as one of his favorite basketball memories. His last second dunk to win the state championship game went viral on ESPN and social media.

It was CDH’s first State Championship in 25 years and the birthday of Coach Jerry Kline ’93, one of Oturu’s key mentors. 

“That was some of the most fun I've had playing basketball,” he said. “Having that unique opportunity to play on that stage against a lot of great high schools and come out on top, giving all glory and thanks to God, was really special.” 

Inspired by the improvements he’s seen to athletic facilities since his own time at CDH and his personal ethos of giving back, he also supports the school financially.  With his donation, Oturu made the new digital scoreboard in the Joe Mauer Field House possible.  In the past, he also supported a basketball camp at CDH, offering a comprehensive overview of all major areas of basketball and the importance of discipline, work ethic, mental toughness, and teamwork.

“I'm a big believer that not only basketball, but sports in general, bring people together,” Oturu said. 

“I pray that God continues to give me the ability and puts me in a position where I can keep supporting the communities that I love and that love me,” Oturu said. “I hope to inspire the next generation. Whether it’s one or 15 or 20 years from now, I hope they see it as an example to give back to their community, giving future students even more opportunities than they had.”