FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University men's basketball head coach Tony Skinn ('06) announced Thursday that former Patriot guard Baraka Okojie will return to the program beginning in the 2026-27 season.
 
One of two A-10 All-Rookie selections in George Mason history, Okojie has since suited up for Memphis (2024-25) and Mercer (2025-26). With the Bears this past season, he ranked second in the Southern Conference in scoring (19.7 ppg) en route to First Team All-Conference accolades.
 
"Baraka has a chance to finish what he started here, and that doesn't happen often in today's college basketball environment," Skinn said. "He recharged himself at Mercer last season and put up some excellent numbers. From an identity standpoint, he fits and checks off so many boxes of who we are on both ends of the floor. He really knows the system. Although essentially he's coming out of the portal, we're getting a player who really understands Patriot Pressure."
 
Okojie's 19.7 points per game last season also ranked 37^th in the country, while his 5.3 assists/game led the SoCon and placed him 44^th nationally. He also was fifth in the league in A/TO ratio (2.05) and sixth in steals/game (1.35).
 
Okojie's elite ability to get to the line as a freshman in Fairfax elevated to another level during his junior campaign. He ranked third in the nation in free throws made (224) and was seventh in attempts (274). His 7.5 fouls drawn/40 minutes ranked ninth in the country.
 
A NABC All-District Second Team pick, he scored 10+ points in all 31 games and 20+ in 14 of those contests. He poured in a career-best 29 points in two games and dished out a personal best 12 assists in two contests. He was one of just three players nationally to have three games with 20+ points, 10+ free throws made and 8+ assists.
 
Okojie began his college career with the Patriots, where he averaged 8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists en route to A-10 All-Rookie accolades in 2023-24. He finished ninth in the nation in FT rate (.829) and ranked ninth in the A-10 in steals/contest (1.4). Okojie and New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek are the only two A-10 All-Rookie picks in program history.

"Baraka was a great on the ball defender as a freshman," Skinn added. "He understands angles and he has outstanding speed and agility. He can really be a menace defensively and guards with teeth. His overall IQ is going to help us as we continue to elevate the trajectory of this program."

A product of Brampton, Ontario, Okojie earned First Team SIAA All-State accolades at Daytona Beach DME Academy as a high school senior. A McDonald's All-America Game nominee, he also starred for Canada Elite on the AAU circuit while leading the program to the championship game of the UAA Finals in July 2023. He earned UAA Session I Second Team accolades for his efforts.
 
Okojie competed for his home country of Canada at the U-16 and U-17 levels and served as an alternate for U-19 hoops.
 
Okojie joins Emmett Adair (Sydney, Australia/Loyola (Md.)) and  Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor (Markham, Ontario/Butler) in George Mason's talented transfer class. They will suit up alongside a group of Patriot returners which includes 2025-26 Preseason All-A-10 First Team selection Brayden O'Connor, Emmanuel Kanga, Malik Presley and Ryan-Preston Mendy.
 
Secure Your Seats for the 2026-27 Campaign!
Season ticket renewals are live for the 2026-27 and run through June 16. Tickets and seat fees can be paid via George Mason Account Manager and can be purchased in full or through an extended payment plan option. Season ticket holders who renew by May 19 will be entered to win an exclusive gameday behind-the-scenes experience with the team. Fans interested in new season tickets can place a deposit here.