Josh Omojafo thought his career at South Florida was over as he walked off the court following the Bulls' 83-79 loss last March to Louisville in the NCAA tournament.
He was a senior after transferring from Robert Morris University for the 2025-26 season and if that was the end of his collegiate career, he had made memories that would last a lifetime. He was a key contributor to USF's American Conference regular-season and tournament championship.
He was second on the team in rebounding and fourth in scoring. But as he headed back to his native Canada to see what pro basketball options might be available, a surprise awaited.
A court ruling gave Class of 2022 student-athletes the opportunity for a fifth season of competition. And USF had a major need at his position and a vacant roster spot because of the season-ending knee surgery for guard AJ Dancler.
"It was massive," Bulls head coach Chris Mack said. "He was spending a little time in Tampa because he loved his experience last year. One of our staff members, (Director of Player Development) Tu Holloway would be in the gym working players out. Josh had asked, hey, is it ok if I come in and shoot and work?
"We were like, sure. Former players are always welcome. The two struck a friendship and a mentorship and he said, hey, I'd love to come back. That got the ball rolling. He's a hell of an addition."
In an interview with Joey Johnston of GoUSFBulls.com, Omojafo called the twist of fate "honestly amazing.''
"To have another season at USF, I couldn't pass that up," he said. "It's great to be back and I look forward to helping out this team.''
In some ways he is still shaking his head at how this came about.
"I didn't have a relationship with Coach Mack at all, other than the times when I was here before (in April) and he might pop his head in at the basketball facility to chop it up a little bit,'' Omojafo said.
"I heard nothing but good things and felt great about him being here. I came down here to work out a little bit over the summer — still never dreaming I could come back — but maybe that got the ball rolling a little bit. They saw me out there. It's crazy, but we were able to make it all happen.''
His teammates greeted the development with enthusiasm.
"Oh man Josh, Obviously he was somebody in the conference last year, they won and went to the NCAA tournament. Just having him back on the team is great," guard Sonny Wilson said. "You know, he makes winning plays, hustles, plays hard, so having him is going to be a big impact.
"We just include him as one of us now. He's part of our gteam. We make him feel welcome. He's a brogther to us and we're glad to have him."
The Bulls open the regular season at home on November 2 against Charleston Southern at 7 p.m.
USF might have a new coaching staff but the expectation is to build on last year's championship team. That's where someone like Omojafo, who lived that experience, can help.
'"I know what it takes to win,'' Omojafo said. "I'm not taking this opportunity for granted at all. It's almost like unfinished business from last year. I want to help put us in that position again.
"In my humble opinion, I think I can bring a lot to the table — offensively, defensively, passing, off-ball, on-ball, defense, all of it. Whatever they need. I'm not going to compare what we have to last season, but this is a very talented team. You have to go through the grind and respond to adversity, but I like what I see. I see a team that could be really special.''
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