Former Gopher Daniel Oturu on the cusp of fulfilling NBA dream

KSTP Sports

[anvplayer video=”4983086″ station=”998122″]

When former Gophers center Daniel Oturu hears his name called during Wednesday’s NBA Draft, a dream will become reality.

We took a look back at how Oturu got to this point, talking with Daniel, Richard Pitino, his coach with the Gophers, and Jerry Kline, his coach with Cretin-Derham Hall.

***Click the video box above to watch the 5-Eyewitness News story****

Oturu will become the first Gopher since Kris Humphries in 2004 to be drafted. Wherever Oturu lands, he plans on continuing to give back to his community. He’s been a fixture in the Twin Cities, whether helping out at Masonic Children’s Hospital, the Highland Friendship Club, or his mom and dad’s church in St. Paul.

Oturu’s heart is as big as his basketball aspirations.

Woodbury native Daniel Oturu, far right, is as good a person as he is a basketball player. He has spent time at Masonic Children's Hospital putting smiles on the kids' faces.[Alec Kinsky]