Bio

Former First Team All-Conference selection and member of the 2007 Northeast Conference champion men's basketball team Obie Nwadike returned to the men's basketball program as an assistant coach prior to the 2014-15 season. Nwadike was previously an assistant under former head coach Howie Dickenman and began his coaching career on staff at Wagner.  

"Obie showed that he wants the best for Central and for the program through his tireless work before he was hired," said Marshall. "I felt it was vital to keep him on the staff. He made sure our student-athletes did what they needed to do and took care of what needed to be done. I've been in his shoes when a coaching staff changes and not knowing what will happen and I have a great deal of respect for his work and doing what needed to be done to help this program be successful."

At his first coaching stop, Nwadike helped the Seahawks finish 2013-14 with a 19-12 overall record and 12-4 in the NEC, good for a second-place finish in the regular season.  The Seahawks topped the Blue Devils in the NEC Tournament in March.

Nwadike's playing career with the Blue Devils was spectacular, the culmination of which was the 2007 championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.  In his senior season he was one of three Blue Devils to be named First Team All-Conference, the only time that has happened in league history.  Along with teammates Javier Mojica and Tristan Blackwood, Nwadike helped lead the Blue Devils to a 22-12 overall record and the top seed in the NEC Tournament.  The Blue Devils won three home tournament games, including the final over Sacred Heart, to win their third NEC title.

Nwadike averaged a double-double in each of his last two seasons with the Blue Devils, including 14.4 points and 10.7 rebounds as a senior.  For his career he scored 1,265 points and grabbed 980 records, good for sixth in school history.  His 427 career free-throws are tied for second in school history.  His 191 free-throws as a senior are a single-season record.  Nwadike had 18 double-doubles in his senior season.  For his career he posted 40 double-doubles and 49 games with 10 or more rebounds.

Prior to his season at Wagner, Nwadike worked with the Saint Anthony High School Friar Nation U17 Varsity Team and as a substance abuse social worker for the Connecticut Junior Republic.  After his time as a player in New Britain he spent four seasons playing professionally for teams in Luexmbourg and Spain.