Leading up to the men's basketball regular-season opener on Nov. 6, GoStanford.com will profile all 15 student-athletes on the team and learn more about their interests, experiences and goals.
In the 14th edition of our Cardinal Capsule series, we get to know sophomore KZ Okpala from Orange County, California.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I can understand a good amount of Igbo, one of the official languages of Nigeria. My parents are both from Nigeria and they taught me the language when I was young. We speak it a lot at home. I have been to Nigeria twice, but not in a long time.
Tell us about your family?
I am the youngest of four, with two older sisters and an older brother. I learned my style from my two older sisters. They have been a big influence on me. I am very close with my brother, Toby. He is two years older than me. I talk to him about everything. We relate in so many ways.
What first got you interested in basketball?
My first love was actually football. I was a running back. My brother, Toby, got me into basketball. He is very good and, growing up, we would go to his games all the time. I wanted to follow him. I stopped playing football before middle school and focused on basketball from there.
When did you realize you had a future in basketball?
Coming into high school, I didn't think I was going to play college basketball. It wasn't a goal of mine when I was younger. Anytime I am on the court, I am always extremely competitive and believe I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I had a growth spurt where I grew three to four inches per year and went from 5-11 as a freshman to 6-8 as a senior in high school. My basketball career took off in high school.
Why did you choose to come to Stanford?
It's simple. It's the best of both worlds with academics and athletics. I couldn't go wrong.
What are your impressions of the coaching staff?
They were invested from the beginning. They are genuine and straight-forward. Their feedback is real. One thing that continues to mean a lot to me is their willingness to fight for me and believe in me. They are invested in every one of us.
What are your impressions of Stanford?
I love everything about it. It is what I expected. I enjoy being challenged academically and athletically. It is amazing to be around some brilliant minds everyday here.
What did you pick up from your freshman year that you want to apply this year?
College is not the same as high school. My preparation needs to be better and I need to have a better understanding of all the little things that mater. I am in my second year and I need to step up this year.
What are your interests outside of basketball?
I am obsessed with music. My brother and I have talked about one day managing artists and owning a record label.
Is there any significance behind the No. 0?
I picked the number in high school because of my brother. He wanted to be 0 in high school, but it wasn't available. I did it for him.