HUNTINGTON — It only feels like Obinna Anochili-Killen has been at Marshall forever.
But it’s a testament to how unique of a player he is — a mainstay in a time in which the best often move quickly.
Since Anochili-Killen’s days at Chapmanville High School, many observers statewide knew he could be a star.
When he chose Marshall, he made an immediate impact as a freshman.
Five years later, he walked onto the Cam Henderson Center floor for the last time last Friday to a standing ovation as one of the best to ever do it.
“It was emotional, but I was glad that we ended up taking a [win],†Anochili-Killen said. “The experience of being on that floor one more time with these guys, it was emotional. But I was pretty excited, man. God has blessed me to play five full seasons at this university without any injuries. I’ve played almost all of the games in my lifetime.â€
Anochili-Killen is the all-time leader in blocks at Marshall and was named Sun Belt Conference defensive player of the year and a second-team all-league honoree this week. He’s No. 2 nationally in blocks entering the SBC tournament.
“I’ve accomplished a lot, like the shot-blocking record, 1,000 [career] points — all of that stuff is difficult to find anywhere,†Anochili-Killen said. “It’s really the love and support from the fans. I’m glad they came down to support. I’ve been through highs and lows with Marshall University, from coach Dan [D’Antoni] to coach Corny [Jackson]. I was grateful to play with coach Corny in his first year and win with him.â€
Days before senior night, Jackson spoke highly of Anochili-Killen’s dedication to Marshall, saying he turned down potential NIL offers and chose to be a bit of a unicorn in the modern era of athletics, an all-time great at a mid-major program that stays from start to finish.
“You sit down and see what your options are,†Anochili-Killen said. “A lot of schools throw money at you: ‘Come to this school and we’ll give you this and that.’ I sat there and I thought about it. It’s not always about the money, man.
“I have no regrets staying at Marshall. I had a successful season. We’re going to go down and win the Sun Belt — that’s better. I’d rather do it down here at Marshall University than do it anywhere else.â€
He brings the perspective that while lights may shine brighter elsewhere, voices are louder in a place where the foundation has been set.
“You’re playing for the fans that actually love it,†Anochili-Killen said. “They’ve been here and seen you develop since your freshman year. You can’t find that anywhere. I’ve built a lot of relationships with the fans — that’s more valuable than any money they can give you.â€
Jackson was an assistant under D’Antoni, and Anochili-Killen said their connection kept him in Huntington.
“I’m grateful,†Anochili-Killen said. “Me and Corny have been together since I was in high school. We’ve had fights and all of that. We’ve bumped heads, but he’s the type of guy that wants the best of me. He wants me to be a man. After college basketball is over, it’s time to pursue a pro career. I’m grateful for him to put me in that situation.â€
He credits Jackson for pushing him to be one of the nation’s best shot blockers this season. He has 90 in 30 games. Youngstown State’s Gabe Dynes, a 7-foot-3 center, has 96 in 31 games.
The next closest player has 77, and Anochili-Killen is the only forward in the top five. He’s also the only player in the top five that stands below 7 feet.
“When he was an assistant, most of the head-bumping I’m talking about was things that was best for me,†Anochili-Killen said of his relationship with Jackson. “‘You need to get rebounds’ — that stuff. He was pushing me, and he knew what my potential is.
“Blocking shots this year, at the beginning I wasn’t blocking shots a lot,†Anochili-Killen said. “He was the one that emphasized that. He said, ‘I’ve seen you do it in high school. I’ve seen you do it as a sophomore. Do it this year.’ That was what made me realize that I could block so many shots. I give him credit for that. He’s the reason why I’m the second[-highest] shot blocker in the nation.â€
With five years and still a conference tournament left to play, Anochili-Killen is not one to rank his favorite memories.
“Every single time someone says, what’s your favorite memory? — every memory should be your favorite memory,†Anochili-Killen said. “I’ve had bad memories — last year, we were 13-20. That didn’t feel good. I’ve had good memories playing with Tae [Taevion Kinsey], Andy [Taylor], Jarrod West and Jannson [Williams].
“My favorite memory is probably when we beat UAB [in 2022]. Tae was hurt, and we beat UAB. That was a favorite. I just feel like there are so many good memories — I don’t have one that tops the other. In life, you have to make every day count. You have to be happy every day. You can’t put one above the other. I’ve had great times here at Marshall. There’s no school that’s better. If there was, I would’ve left. I’m content with my college career.â€
And after that, basketball certainly isn’t over for Anochili-Killen as he plans to pursue a professional career.
“Not gonna lie, I’ll probably miss practices and offseason lifting — playing pickup with the guys,†Anochili-Killen said. “Stuff like that — that’s where you bond.
“The gym, the fans — you miss the fans. When you go play somewhere else, I might play in the NBA. I might play in the G League. I might play overseas. There’s no fan that will ever top the Marshall fans. I’ll definitely miss them.â€
