Indiana Swoops In Late for Jade Ondineme
The powerful French forward could be a breakout star
Summary
- Jade Ondineme, a 6’3” French forward, overcame self-doubt and found her physical edge during NWFSC’s championship run
- Known for her kindness, Ondineme leaned on teammates like Kyla McBride for support and motivation, ultimately proving she belonged on the biggest stage.
- Indiana swooped in late to secure her commitment, where her size, touch, and untapped stretch potential could make her a breakout star in the post-heavy Big Ten.
Stop being so damn nice!
Northwest Florida State College would not be national champions without Jade Ondineme. The French forward has been a work in progress, but put all the tools together for a strong performance in the 2024 NJCAA tournament.
Standing at 6’3”, Ondineme's challenge was letting go of her gentle giant’s nature.
“Use your body and stop being so damn nice,” Coach Bart Walker said to her.
Ondineme found that balance with the help of her teammates, each of whom glows about her as the kindest person on their team.
“She couldn't get out of the slump and she was really just beating herself up. Me and Jade talked for two and a half hours just on how she can overcome what she's doing and all of that,” recounted McBride. “All you gotta do is prove it to them. Prove it that you gotta be out there. Prove it to them that you're the best center that we have.”
Ondineme did, averaging 8.8 points, 6.5 rebounds (2.8 offensive rebounds) per game for the tournament. Interest exploded in Odineme after that, with high major programs dropping offers left and right.
Indiana came in late, but came in strong. They wowed Ondineme enough to jump the line and secure her signature.
As a big, she’ll be able to provide rotational minutes and physicality right away, especially in a post-centric Big Ten. That’s also where the upside comes, as Ondineme has touch and stretch potential that she hasn’t exercised. With Big Ten development, Ondineme may end up surprising as the best of the bunch.
Read all their stories:
Texas State Brings Kyla McBride Home
Arizona State Snags Deb Davenport For Rebuild
Sydney Bradley Brings Balance to Charleston Southern
Mekhia Chase Brings True Grit To North Texas