Former Tartan Standout Urule Igbavboa Makes a Name For Himself Overseas

Urule Igbavboa was one of the best basketball players in history. The 6-foot-8 forward was a four-year letterwinner for the Titans under head coach Mark Klingsporn and they made it to the state tournament all four seasons.

Igbavboa was named All-State, All-Metro and to the All-Defensive team as a senior and was a finalist for Minnesota Mr. Basketball. Igbavboa was a three-time All-Classic Suburban Conference honoree who scored more than 1,000 points in his career.

Igbavboa also earned two letters in football. He signed with Valparaiso and was a three-year starter for the Crusaders, scoring in double figures his last three seasons.

Oakdale Patch reporter Chris Monter recently caught up with Igbavboa at the Howard Pulley Summer League to talk about his pro career and memories of his college and high school days.

Oakdale Patch: You played in Greece last year. Have you decided where you are going to play this upcoming season?

Urule Igbavboa: No, I have no idea. Right now, I am just doing workouts and everything like that. Just trying to figure out where I am going.

Oakdale Patch: How was the experience playing in Greece, which is considered one of the better leagues?

Igbavboa: It is a tough league. I played in the A2 division. It is a lot different basketball than it is over here in the States. It is a lot more halfcourt game and it is a lot of pick and roll.  

Oakdale Patch: How about in terms of physical play?

Igbavboa: Everyone over there is a grown man, so it is pretty physical. Everyone is a strong person. Everyone has skills, so it is a tough league. 

Oakdale Patch: How different of an experience is it playing in Europe than what you thought it would be?

Igbavboa: It is a lot different. You have to adjust to the European rules. Traveling was a big thing coming out of college, being able to do a on-side step and overseas, you can only do the cross-step or it is a travel.

Oakdale Patch: They also practice a lot more too, right?

Igbavboa: We have two-a-days the whole year.

Oakdale Patch: That has to be tough to adjust to?

Igbavboa: It is, but the way we played in college was kind of the same, the way we practiced. 

Oakdale Patch: Did you get a chance to see much of the countryside? 

Igbavboa: Not really. I was in Northern Greece, so I only stayed around there.

Oakdale Patch: Is it going to be tougher to land a job overseas with the lockout as more players might be looking for jobs in Europe? Is that a concern for you?

Igbavboa: Not really. There are so many European teams that I am sure a lot of people can find jobs. 

Oakdale Patch: You had a great career at Valparaiso. What stands out?

Igbavboa: Playing against North Carolina for a few years. Playing against Duke at Cameron Indoor. It was pretty nice. Going on trips to the Virgin Islands and Hawaii. A lot of nice things.

Oakdale Patch: Before Valparaiso, you were a standout at Tartan. What stands out from your time there?

Igbavboa: I think going to the state tournament every year that I was there. Being a runner-up for Mr. Basketball was pretty nice too.

Oakdale Patch: I know that you had a close relationship with Coach Klingsporn. Do you still talk to him?

Igbavboa: Oh yes. We talk every time I come home.

Oakdale Patch: What is the biggest difference from your game now compared to back then?

Igbavboa: I’ve learned a lot. I am a lot more physical. I have a lot more all-around game. When I was young, I didn’t know much about the game.

Oakdale Patch: Is there one thing that you wish you knew back then that you know now?

Igbavboa: I would say to be more aggressive and go after things a lot harder than I did.

Oakdale Patch: What types of things are you working on this summer to get ready for the upcoming pro season?

Igbavboa: Lifting a lot of weights is a big thing, because it is a lot more physical game over there. Everything is more halfcourt, so it takes wear and tear on your body and being in condition.

Oakdale Patch: How long are you back in Minnesota?

Igbavboa: I think for the summer. I think the season starts in late August.

Oakdale Patch: When are you hoping to have a decision on where you are playing this season?

Igbavboa: Probably within a month. Last year, I decided late. It all depends on what I like and what I have a feel for.