Ojeleye gains Martin’s respect, gets more play time

It is easy to look at a stat sheet and assume who the best player is because of their high points or rebounds. Those names will pop off the page in headlines throughout media on the local and national levels.

Under Frank Martin's tutelage, K-State men's basketball has always been built through family and leadership values and being able to find players who keep each other accountable on and off the floor.

Senior Victor Ojeleye has been an important part of Wildcat basketball since his arrival on campus in 2008.

Ojeleye, a four-year letterman at Ottawa High School in Ottawa, Kan., helped the Cyclones to a 16-6 record and a 10-2 mark in Frontier League play as a senior in 2006-07.

Ojeleye was named first team Class 5A All-State by kansas.sports.com and was also selected second team Class 5A All-State by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association and the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Victor has modeled the term student athlete at a high level. In 2010, Ojeleye earned the inaugural Dr. Gerald Lage Award, which is the Big 12's highest academic honor.

To earn the award, a student athlete must have 100 or more hours of credit with a cumulative 3.8 GPA.

The jump to college basketball didn't come easy, but with time, Ojeleye saw an opportunity to be a part of something special.

"It was tough physically and mentally, having to balance everything with school," Ojeleye said. "I think the combination of my folks and my faith, just continuing to stick with it really helped me continue to grow. The physicality and the things we do in the weight room now, I probably wasn't as good doing that my freshman year as I am now."

Ojeleye's infectious attitude has helped guide him through his K-State career.

"I'm a very optimistic and positive person," Ojeleye said. "You always look back at situations and try to learn from them. Whatever it is that you question — how could I have done better? What could I have done differently? Could I have made that play? Those things I always look at as a positive."

The senior leader's effort has stood out to the K-State coaching staff. Since the game against Texas on Jan. 18, Ojeleye has played 17.2 minutes per game.

Martin has liked what he has seen from his senior forward.

"He's awesome, he's awesome," Martin said. "He took that loss real hard at Iowa State because he didn't get that rebound off of the free throw."

K-State lost 72-70 against Iowa State on Tuesday night. Martin used the game moment as a teaching point for Ojeleye.

"I told him it wasn't because you got the 10 rebounds before that one," Martin said. "The thing is, now that you've gained my trust where I can play you full-time minutes, and you're in that moment, you have to go make that play. He's been awesome though and he's playing well right now."

Ojeleye credits the boost in playing time to his peers and family.

"It's just simple, it's an honor," Ojeleye said. "Nothing ever is about an individual. Just being a part of this has been a great opportunity. I've been very fortunate and God has helped me to be able to be a part of this team and program for the past four years."

Although his career is coming to a close, Ojeleye looks to cherish what he has left.

"It's going to be tough, it'll be bittersweet," Ojeleye said. "Every time I practice, not so much earlier in the season, but every time I practice now, it hits me even harder. Each game now, I put even more emotion in them. It feels great to be a part of it, but I realize that it'll end at one point. I just have to give it all I have and be thankful for every plane ride, bus ride and value the time with the guys."