It hasn’t always been an easy road for Udoka Azubuike. And that might be an understatement for a guy who’s already been through as much as some deal with in a lifetime. Growing up in Nigeria, Azubuike lost his father when he was 10 years old. We talk about how his relationship with his mom would become a source of strength, especially after he moved to the U.S. to pursue a basketball career. He ends up committing to Kansas, but even then, it wasn’t always easy, as injuries wrecked havoc on his early career. And with injuries, of course, come doubters—those who wondered if he’d ever live up to his potential. So how did he do it? This is the story of how he overcame every obstacle to become the Big 12 Player of the Year, and silenced the critics in the process.