STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — O.D. Anosike stood at midcourt, by himself, and you could almost see him taking a stroll down memory lane.
The ex-St. Peter’s basketball star was back home and he explained to the large crowd on hand how he became enamored with the New Brighton school.
“I played at Sacred Heart and grew up in West Brighton, right down the street, and I used to walk down Henderson Ave., as a young kid in 5th and 6th grade on cold nights like this,’’ he said. ”I used to come through that door and sit on that stage, right over there, and I used to watch games and practices.
“I grew up here, I really did,’’ he continued, noting he did his homework on the stage while watching practices. ”And it was always a dream to play here.’’
Anosike, through the help of many, lived his dream and turned in an exceptional three-year varsity career that was acknowledged by the Eagles Thursday when they retired his No. 55 at halftime during St. Peter’s CHSAA Staten Island encounter against visiting St. Joseph by-the-Sea.
Ex-St. Peter’s basketball star O.D. Anosike, who won the Jaques Award as Staten Island’s top high school player and scored 1,230 career points, proudly displays his jersey number during a retirement ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.(Kara Buzga for the Advance/SILive.com)
The 6-foot-8 Anosike, who went on to an exceptional collegiate career at Siena University and is still playing professionally overseas, became only the sixth St. Peter’s basketball player to have his number retired.
The Charlotte, N.C., resident joins Bill Murtha (No. 17, class of 1962), John Engles (No. 41, class of 1972), Mike Fiore (No. 40, class of 1972), Greg Pedro (No. 21, class of 1983) and Andrew Wisniewski (No. 4, class of 1999) on the New Brighton school’s gymnasium wall.
Needless to say, Anosike was thankful for being acknowledged.
“It’s an honor — a tremendous honor,’’ said the 35-year-old, who played for long-time head coach Charlie Driscoll during his playing days. “When I think about all of the great players who came through this storied high school — many of which I grew up watching or got to know through the years — it really means a lot.
“I wouldn’t be here without the support and help of so many people and I hope I’ve made them proud.’’
St. Peter’s varsity head coach Ryan Woods, who teamed with Anosike to help lead the Eagles to two SIHSL Tournament titles in 2007-08, said retiring his former teammate’s number is a well-deserved honor.
“O.D. was such a special player here and such a tremendous guy and it was only fitting that he was the next number to go up in the rafters,’’ said Woods, who won the Jaques Award as Staten Island’s top high school basketball player one year before Anosike was bestowed the same honor. ”His career here, his career at Siena and his professional career all speak for themselves. Not only was he an excellent player at all levels, but he’s a dynamite guy.
“We were so happy to have him back tonight,’’ continued Woods, who said Anosike was his ‘foxhole guy’ who he went through thick and thin together during their playing days. ”It was a lot with Senior Night, a lot of celebrating, but he deserved every minute of this recognition.’’
During his high school days, the power forward was a fierce interior presence and rebounder who helped lead the Eagles to three consecutive SIHSL Tournament championships and garnered tourney MVP honors twice. During his senior year, he averaged 17.8 ppg. overall, but a whopping 24.6 points and 17.3 rebounds per game in three SIHSL tourney games.
In addition to winning the Jaques, the two-time Advance All Star scored 1,230 career points.
He received a full athletic scholarship to D1 Siena and proceeded to lead the nation in rebounding two times. In addition, he went on to score over 1,000 points and grab over 1,000 rebounds during his playing days with the Saints. He was also named a Lou Henson Mid-Major All American.
Anosike has enjoyed a successful professional career overseas as well. He played NBA Summer League ball with both the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics. In playing pro hoops overseas, he is a two-time Italian Serie A rebounding champion and made stops in France (Cholet and Strasbourg), Spain (Real Betis), Greece (Lavrio) and other countries including South Korea, Libya, Mexico, Iran.
He currently plays for ILAB in Istanbul, Turkey.
Anosike credited his upbringing at St. Peter’s for getting him to where he is today.
“St. Peter’s played a big role in my life in so many ways,’’ he said. ”Athletically, of course, but also academically, emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. There’s so many ways that I developed and St. Peter’s encouraged me to be more than just an athlete.
“The leadership here, from (school president John Fodera) to the basketball program has been so supportive in so many ways and I wouldn’t be here without them.’’
Anosike said receiving the honor of having his number retired while Woods is running SP’s program made it that more special.
“Ryan has always been a leader. Anytime he was around, it was a sense of calmness. Nobody was ever worried,’’ Anosike said matter-of-factly. ”With him running the program now, I feel the same way. I know the program is in good hands.
“We love St. Peter’s and want the best and to have him stewarding the program in such a great way and to be honored tonight and for him to get a win — it was a perfect night.’’