Olivia Nelson-Ododa is an American professional basketball player who plays center for the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA. Recognized for her defensive prowess, rebounding, and versatility, she has emerged as a key contributor after a standout college career at UConn.
Early Life and Background
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Date of Birth: August 17, 2000
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Hometown: Winder, Georgia (born in Lansing, Michigan)
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Height: 6’5″ (1.96 m)
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Weight: 176 lbs (80 kg)
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Position: Center
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High School: Winder-Barrow High School
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Athens Banner-Herald Co-Player of the Year as a sophomore
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Led team to Class 6A state final, averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds
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Suffered a season-ending knee injury as a junior
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Senior year: 19 points, 16 rebounds, 6 blocks per game, Miss Georgia Basketball
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McDonald’s All-American, five-star recruit
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College Career: UConn (2018–2022)
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Freshman: Mostly off the bench, 4.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks per game
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Sophomore: Second-Team All-AAC, 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.1 blocks per game
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Fifth UConn player with 100+ blocks in a season
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Junior: Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Second Team All-Big East
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12 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.8 blocks per game
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Senior: All-Big East First Team, led team in rebounds (7.5), assists (116), and blocks (55)
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Five double-doubles, multiple standout performances
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Sixth in UConn career blocks (262)
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Team Success: Multiple NCAA Final Four appearances
WNBA Career
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Drafted: 19th overall, 2022 WNBA Draft by Los Angeles Sparks
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Los Angeles Sparks (2022):
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30 games, six starts
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4.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.8 blocks per game
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Career-highs: 12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks
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Connecticut Sun (2023–present):
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Traded to Sun in January 2023
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2023 Season:
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39 games, 4.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.9 blocks per game
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Career-highs: 20 points, 11 rebounds, double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds)
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2024 Season:
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37 games, 3.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 0.6 blocks per game
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Season-highs: 12 points, 7 rebounds
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2025 Season:
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Increased role, averaging career-highs in minutes, points, and rebounds
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Notably, recent reports indicate 9.6 points, 6.4 rebounds per game in a featured role
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Playoffs:
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2023: Seven games, 4.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.0 steals per game, high of 14 points
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2024: Seven games, 20 points, 21 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks total
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Family and Background
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Father: Sebastian Ododa (Kenyan, played for Kenyan national team and Huntington University)
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Mother: Heather Nelson-Ododa (American)
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Brothers: Isaiah and Alonzo (Alonzo plays in NBA G League)
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Nationality: American
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Heritage: Kenyan-American
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite shot-blocker and rim protector
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Strong rebounder, especially on the defensive end
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Versatile defender, can guard multiple positions
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High basketball IQ, good passer for her position
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Style:
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Physical, athletic center with defensive instincts and emerging offensive game
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FAQs About Olivia Nelson-Ododa
What position does Olivia Nelson-Ododa play?
Center
Which team does she play for?
Connecticut Sun (WNBA)
How old is Olivia Nelson-Ododa?
24 (born August 17, 2000)
What are her main achievements?
Miss Georgia Basketball, McDonald’s All-American, Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year, UConn career blocks leader, WNBA playoff contributor
What is her playing style?
Defensive-minded, athletic center with shot-blocking, rebounding, and emerging scoring ability
Conclusion
Olivia Nelson-Ododa is a rising star in the WNBA, known for her defensive impact, rebounding, and versatility. Her journey from Georgia high school standout to UConn star and now key Connecticut Sun contributor highlights her talent, work ethic, and potential as a future force in women’s basketball.
