Noah Otshudi Feature
By: Owen James, FM88 Sports, Training Coordinator
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WMUL-FM) — Guard Noah Otshudi has been balling out despite a less-than-stellar start for Marshall men’s basketball (1-2, 0-0 SBC).
The third-leading scorer in the Sun Belt Conference, Otshudi is averaging 21.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 31.3 minutes through the Herd’s three games, including a season-high 27 on 12-of-18 shooting. points in an 84-74 loss to Ohio State on Monday. Marshall Head Coach Cornelius “Corny” Jackson gave Otshudi props for his ability to step up in the road matchup.
“He was making some tough shots early on,” Jackson said. “He was the only one that could kind of get going, you know, because they’re strong, they’re physical, they’re athletic, they’re huge, they’re big guys.”
Otshudi’s splits are just as spectacular as his averages; he is shooting a staggering 53.3% from the field on 15.7 field goals attempts per game, as well as a clean 50% from distance and 90% from the charity stripe. The Ontario native is also nabbing 0.7 steals a game, contributing on both ends of the court. Besides scoring, Otshudi is also fourth in the SBC in assists, with the third-best assist-to-turnover ratio in the conference.
Otshudi ranked among the Thundering Herd’s top five last season in points, rebounds and assists and was one of only three returners coming into the 2026-27 season. Ahead of the season opener against Buffalo on Nov. 2, Jackson spoke on Otshudi’s growth and adjustment to a leadership role.
“He’s an experienced guy,” Jackson said. “He’s been here … It’s not easy leading every day. That’s something I explained to Noah last week … You’re expected to bring it every day. And when I say bring it, I’m not necessarily saying making shots, right? But you have to be on point. You have to be the coach on the floor. You have to have the energy. So, it’s not easy, and it’s a role that he’s adjusting to. But again, I know he’s capable of it.”
Jackson’s expectations were apparently spot-on, as Otshudi has been the core of a Marshall offense that has seen flashes of excellence amid inconsistent play. If Marshall is able to find its footing, it’s hard to believe he won’t be front and center in the transformation.