To describe Louisiana Tech sophomore Anthony Duruji as an outstanding athlete would be quite the understatement.
 
As a rookie for the Bulldogs last season, the 6-foot-7-inch forward graced fans and spectators with his dazzling athleticism game after game, seemingly providing a poster dunk or signature swat every night. His enthusiasm and love for the game was evident to all.
 
During offseason hoops workouts this summer, Duruji recorded an eye-popping max vertical leap of 46.5 inches. That number alone sounds impressive, but it is even more amazing when put into perspective.
 
The highest max vertical at last year's NBA combine? 42 inches.
 
The highest recorded vertical leap in NBA combine history was 46 inches by D.J. Stephens in 2013.
 
Notable NBA elite highflyers such as Michael Jordan (48 inches), Zach LaVine (46 inches) and Jason Richardson (46 inches) all recorded marks comparable to Duruji's.
 
Entering his sophomore year following a freshman campaign that saw him earn Conference USA All-Freshman Team accolades, Duruji his knows his game is still a work in progress.
 
"My biggest areas of improvement are rebounding and being a leader," said Duruji. "Last year, I was getting my feet wet as a freshman, just trying to process everything. This year I want to be more vocal with my teammates – making sure my presence is known."
 
"It's a night and day difference between freshman and sophomore year," he added. "I know what to expect now, so a lot of this stuff boils down to repetition and review. Coach (Konkol) has brought up the idea of me being more of a leader this year – being more vocal, encouraging people and helping these new guys and uplifting them in everything they do."
 
During his recruiting period throughout high school, Duruji had other offers, but once he made a visit to Ruston and spent time with the Tech coaching staff, something clicked.
 
"Out of high school I had a lot of offers from very well-known programs, especially around my hometown. I built a great relationship with the coaches when I first came down here. It was just very unique. These coaches here were truly genuine, and I could see that. A lot of coaches might just care for you under certain conditions, but I felt that the Tech coaches really had my best interests at heart, and that's what ultimately brought me here."
 
While a valuable skill to possess, Duruji's athleticism isn't the only factor needed in rising to the next level. In fact, while the NBA still remains a future goal of his, his professional dreams aren't strictly limited to the court.
 
As a communications major who boasts a 3.30 cumulative GPA, Duruji values the concept of personal interaction, and hopes to eventually merge that skill with his love for people and sports.
 
"I've always liked talking to people – that one-on-one interaction," said Duruji, a 2018 C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll honoree. "When basketball is all said and done, I'd like to be a sports broadcaster. I knew in high school that I always wanted my future profession to have something to do with sports, and I feel like I have the personality to be in front of the camera someday."
 
As one-one-one interaction becomes more and more rare in today's society, Duruji welcomes the idea and prefers spending time with family and friends rather than in front of a screen.
 
"My friends always joke with me – calling me an old person, but I'd much rather spend quality time with people than just sit around watching TV or scrolling on my phone," said Duruji. "When I'm not on the court, I'm probably listening to music or talking to my family. I'll go out with friends here and there, but I like spending quality time with those close to me."
 
Duruji grew up with three extremely athletic older brothers and an older sister (not to mention his mother, who ran track, high jumped and threw the javelin for her home country of Nigeria), which not only helped him develop his game and toughness from a young age, but also provided him with an important support system – something he utilizes often.
 
"I'm just very thankful because I've been fortunate enough to travel the world and do a lot of things my family hasn't done," Duruji said. "They are my biggest supporters. They encourage me so much, and I know I wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am today if it wasn't for them. I'm just constantly thankful and grateful for their support through everything. I knew that God had blessed me with a gift, and my goal ever since then has been to maximize everything that I have."