Thirty-eight points, but most importantly the win: That’s how Charles Odum walked off the court in a game against Sacramento State this season. Odum connected on five three-pointers and shot 11 for 16 from the field as he led Portland State to a 94-88 victory.
“We were in a close game, with about six minutes to go, and he just took over the game and finished with 38 points,” head coach Tyler Geving said. “I remember that game quite well.”
That game is just one of many highlights for Odum this season. The senior guard was named first team All Big Sky Conference, Big Sky All Tournament team, the Big Sky Player of the Week three times and a Lou Henson Mid Major All American.
Odum didn’t start off his basketball career at Portland State with all this success, though. He made a lot of progress since his first year as a Viking, and he put in the work to earn all those awards.
“He’s been one of our hardest workers over the last seven years I have been here,” Geving said. “He lived in the gym last spring and summer, and he’s in there right now. He’s going to do well, because he’s such a hard worker.”
His success on the court also translated to success off the court. There is a noticeable difference between his first year at Portland State and now, with his last basketball game as a Viking behind him.
“I’m most impressed with how Charles has matured as a person,” Geving said. “He’s made a lot of growths with who he is as a person, and that’s been exciting for me to see, because I know that’s going to carry on into the future.”
Odum is now trying to play basketball overseas. He recently signed an agent and hopes to be playing in Europe next year. ■