Tobe Awaka: A College Basketball Star with a Passion for Learning and Investing
At the University of Arizona, Tobe Awaka has become known not just for his prowess on the basketball court but also for his dedication to academics. His remarkable achievements have earned him a place in the hearts of students and faculty alike.
Awaka played a pivotal role in the men’s basketball team’s historic 2025-2026 season. The Wildcats reached their first Final Four in 25 years, thanks in part to Awaka’s contributions. He was named the Big 12 Conference’s Sixth Man of the Year and led all college players with a 20.2% offensive rebounding percentage. Averaging 9.1 rebounds per game, Awaka ranked second in the conference and recorded eight double-doubles. His thunderous dunks and relentless efforts on the court made him a fan favorite.
While excelling in athletics, Awaka has been pursuing a degree in business administration at the Eller College of Management. His academic efforts were recognized by the Collegiate Sports Communicators, making him the sixth U of A men’s basketball player to earn Academic All-American honors.
In a conversation with Patricia Prelock, the U of A provost and chief academic officer, Awaka discussed his dual focus on sports and academics, his interest in investing and literature, and his post-graduation plans.
A Balancing Act: Sports and Academia
Awaka attributes his ability to juggle sports and studies to the support system at Arizona. “We have a great support system at Arizona that helps us stay on top of our work,” he shared. His academic advisor, Andy Salgado, and strength coach, Chris Rounds, have been instrumental in his success.
Beyond Basketball: A Passion for Business and Literature
Awaka’s interest in business led him to an internship on Wall Street with AlphaDyne Asset Management. He explained, “You learn stuff from the textbook, but to see it happen in real life, it was a great experience.” His love for investing is complemented by a passion for reading, including works like “One Up on Wall Street” and “Crime and Punishment.”
Reflecting on Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on his journey, Awaka credits his family for their unwavering support. “I think the beautiful thing about them is that whether I’m playing well or whether I’m playing bad, they’re always the same,” he said. His mother played a crucial role in his early academic interests.
As graduation approaches, Awaka offers advice to his peers: “The key here moving forward is just establishing an identity of yourself and just understanding who you are.” Looking ahead, he hopes to continue playing basketball professionally and explore opportunities in investing.
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