He started most of his freshman season, averaging 5.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. At the close of the season, he was named to the Big East Conference all-rookie team.[3]
As a sophomore, Oriakhi raised his game to average 9.9 points, 8.7 rebounds (second in the Big East) and 1.6 blocks per game (7th in the Big East). He was the main post presence for the Huskies as they won the 2011 Big East tournament and the 2011 NCAA men's tournament. As a junior, Oriakhi saw his minutes decrease with the addition of highly recruited freshman Andre Drummond. His production dropped as well as he averaged 6.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.[4]
After the season, Oriakhi announced his intention to transfer to another school, citing the Huskies' 2013 ban on postseason play. Because Connecticut's postseason ban covered his entire remaining eligibility (one season), he was eligible to play for his new school during the 2012–13 season.[5] Ultimately Oriakhi transferred to Missouri.[6] During his time at Missouri, he scored 11.2 points, grabbed 8.4 rebounds, and recorded 1.6 blocks per game in 25.8 minutes of play for 34 games.
Professional career
2013–14 season
On June 27, 2013, Oriakhi was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the 2013 NBA draft with the 57th overall pick.[7] In July 2013, he joined the Suns for the 2013 NBA Summer League. On August 2, 2013, he signed his first professional contract with Limoges CSP of the LNB Pro A.[8] On November 6, 2013, he parted ways with Limoges after just six games.[9] Four days later, he signed with Hapoel Holon of Israel.[10] In December 2013, he left Israel and returned to the United States.[11]
On July 12, 2014, Oriakhi's rights were traded to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Isaiah Thomas.[15] When the trade was officially completed, Oriakhi would help the Kings win the 2014 NBA Summer League competition in Las Vegas. On September 20, 2014, he signed with Pieno Žvaigždės of Lithuania for the 2014–15 season.[16]
2015–16 season
In July 2015, Oriakhi joined the Sacramento Kings for the 2015 NBA Summer League.[17] On August 10, 2015, he signed with Orlandina Basket of the Italian Serie A for the 2015–16 season.[18] He averaged 8.5 points and 8.8 rebounds in 30 games.[19]