Olimpia Milano, the transfer market revolves around Onyema: cost, needs and skill set

Ze’Rik Onyema is getting closer to becoming a new Olimpia Milano player. According to RealOlimpiaMilano, the deal is expected to be officially announced on Monday, following Sunday’s 4 p.m. game against Treviso, which should be the center’s final appearance in a Scafati jersey.

As reported by the Milan-based outlet, Onyema’s arrival primarily addresses a need in both numbers and playing style. Following Devin Booker’s injury, Milano have been left with just two natural centers available: Moses Wright and Ousmane Diop. Wright is going through a difficult spell in terms of confidence, while Diop has a history of injuries that makes it difficult to rely on him consistently throughout the demanding domestic and EuroLeague schedule. The available power forwards – Alec Peters, Pippo Ricci and Jason Burnell – do not offer the same qualities as a natural center.

Another positive aspect concerns the financial side of the deal. According to Alessandro Maggi of RealOlimpiaMilano, the investment required to bring Onyema to Milano should be around $500,000 gross. Unlike Mike Tobey, the player does not have a EuroLeague exit clause in his contract with Scafati. However, the deal should not have a particularly significant impact on Milano’s budget. It would also allow the club to add another big man without using an additional non-EU roster spot.

Finally, Onyema’s skill set is another reason why this move makes sense. He offers a different profile compared to Tobey, with strong rolling abilities and a greater aptitude for protecting the rim – two qualities Milano currently need. Despite his limited experience in Europe’s top competitions, his numbers are encouraging. He averaged 10.3 points and 7.1 rebounds in Finland, shooting 68.2% from two-point range. In his first seven games in Italy with Scafati, he has maintained a similar level, averaging 11.4 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 67.9% from two.

Further evidence came in the matchup against Virtus Bologna, the first game of his career against a EuroLeague team. Onyema recorded 20 points and five rebounds in 31 minutes, shooting 9-for-12 from two-point range, despite his team’s heavy defeat.

For Olimpia Milano, Onyema could therefore represent a signing that directly addresses the team’s current needs, adding qualities that are currently missing from the roster.