FAIRBANKS - Head coach Frank Ostanik and the Alaska Nanooks men's basketball program have announced the signing of 6-6 guard, Jalai O'Keith. O'Keith is from Chula Vista, Calif., and joins the Nanooks after time with the East Los Angeles Huskies and Central Washington Wildcats.
"We are very excited to have Jalai join Nanook Nation." said Ostanik, "Jalai is a very good shooter with excellent range. His ability to space the floor will make everyone else better. He's also a very good defender and at 6-6, will provide help on the glass. More importantly than anything, Jalai is a great human being. He excels in the classroom and will play an integral role in helping build a foundation from which we can grow a culture of accountability, toughness and selflessness. Jalai's impact will be felt on the court and in the locker room."
Most recently, O'Keith played for the ELAC Huskies in the 2023-24 season. In 29 starts and games played, O'Keith averaged 15.8 minutes per game. Alongside the guards presence on the court, he posted 7.3 points per game while shooting 42.9% from the floor, 34.8% from three and 66.7% from the free-throw line. His playmaking ability was felt all around the court as well as he added 2.8 rebounds per game, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game. In a Jan. 5 victory at Long Beach (91-83), O'Keith scored a season-high 17 points on 7-12 shooting from the floor. He added a pair of three's, four rebounds, three assists and a steal. He posted 10+ points in nine games this past season and helped the Huskies to a 21-9, 7-3 3C2A record. The Huskies qualified for the postseason after a second-place finish in the South Coast-North Division. They knocked off San Diego Miramar in the opening round, 77-63, before falling to West LA in the second round, ending ELAC's season.
Before ELAC, O'Keith spent two seasons with familiar GNAC-opponent Central Washington University. O'Keith saw time in 11 games with CWU, averaging 3.1 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.5 assists.
"I chose the University of Alaska because I was shocked by how welcoming the staff, the students, and the townspeople were when I was on my visit," said O'Keith on his recent commitment. "I also chose the school because it felt like home to me the moment I stepped foot on campus. I'm most excited to compete against my old friends and teammates in the GNAC and compete for a championship this upcoming year. I'm chasing number one and won't settle for anything else."
Additional signees and newcomers will be announced throughout the summer.
Follow the 'Nooks
IG - @NanooksMBB
X - @NanooksMBB
FB - Alaska Nanooks
