Osun Osunniyi Joins Dziki Warsaw for 2026-27
Polish League Sign Adds Defensive Anchor
Former Iowa State and Belgian star Osun Osunniyi has inked a contract with Dziki Warsaw for the 2026‑27 campaign, the club announced Wednesday. The 6‑foot‑10 center spent the previous two seasons with MLP Academics Heidelberg in the German BBL, averaging 7.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game last year. Osunniyi also recorded 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals per game in the Basketball Champions League, underscoring his reputation as a versatile rim protector.
Michael Kessens of ALBA Berlin and Osun Osunniyi of the MLP Academics Heidelberg in a duel during the easycredit Basketball Bundesliga match between ALBA Berlin and MLP Academics Heidelberg at Uber Arena on Jan. 18, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. | City-Press via Getty Images
German Experience and Defensive Versatility
During his stint in Germany, Osunniyi proved he could hold his own against top‑tier competition, contributing both offensively and defensively for Heidelberg. He shot a respectable 57.7% from the floor in college and posted 35 blocks in his final season at Iowa State. In Belgium, he earned Eurobasket.com All‑BNXT Defensive Player of the Year honors and helped Limburg United capture the 2024 Belgian Cup.
St. Bonaventure Bonnies forward Osun Osunniyi (21) blocks a shot by VCU Rams forward Jamir Watkins (0) during the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament championship game between the VCU Rams and the Dayton Flyers on March 14, 2021 at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. | Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire
College Legacy and Awards
Osunniyi built his name at St. Bonaventure, where he finished as the all‑time leader with 305 blocks and earned Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year honors in both 2021 and 2022. He was the first Bonzie to receive conference defensive honors twice and helped the Bonnies win the A10 tournament, earning Most Outstanding Player honors. As a freshman, he led all Division I freshmen in blocked shots, showcasing his immediate impact. His 1,372 points and 1,027 rebounds also highlight his all‑around contribution during his college career.
Osun Osunniyi (21) of the Iowa State Cyclones dunks the ball past Donovan Clingan (32) of the UConn Huskies during the first half of the Phil Knight Invitational Tournament Men’s Championship at Moda Center on Nov. 27, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. | Soobum Im/Getty Images
Looking Ahead at Dziki Warsaw
Entering the Polish OBL, Osunniyi brings a blend of size, shooting efficiency and defensive acumen that fits the league’s pace. Warsaw will rely on his ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor with a 57.7% career field‑goal percentage. Fans can expect the former Cyclones star to become a focal point of the team’s defense as they chase postseason spots in the new season.
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