Oso Ighodaro talks Offseason, Looking to Year 2, and Summer League | Phoenix Suns Media Availability

Oso Ighodaro talks Offseason, Looking to Year 2, and Summer League | Phoenix Suns Media Availability

And obviously you did it last year and maybe just have you reflected on the that year span between when you was here at this point last year right now as a player? Definitely. It definitely went fast this last year. So glad to be back. Uh me and Ryan get to take a little bit more of a leadership role being loud, vocal, and really trying to build this new culture. So I think that starts here. Start the groundwork in summer league and then try to carry it over. So what have you done in the summer you feel like to improve your game? What things have you been working on this summer? Man, everything. Um, I mean, first I started with my body. Um, gained 15 lbs, 12 lbs of muscle. So, feel good. Still fastest on the team. So, you know, still moving moving, using my advantage, but got a little bit more strength to me. So, that feels really good. I don’t know how much time you’ve had uh to work with him or to watch his career, but is there anything you’re excited to work with uh with Deari in particular? You said Deari. Yeah, with Deari Hero. Oh, uh, yeah. We’ve been calling him DC. That’s why I I didn’t even Yeah. No, I’m excited. Um, anytime you get a vet, a winning player that can come back and give a little tidbits and knowledge of the game, I’m going try to pick his brain as much as possible. So, excited to have him here. What’s it been like kind of going from being the rookie, the new guy to transition to kind of a leadership role in one year’s time? Man, I love it. Um, I was a leader at Marquette and I feel like that’s when I’m at my best, making other people better, being vocal, and just having a little bit more confidence now that I went through my rookie year. I still don’t know everything, but just trying to step into that role for sure. New culture you guys are trying to build. How do you describe? Man, I think we I mean, starting off just been spending a lot of time together off the court. Um, been going golfing, swimming, whatever. just spending time, build those relationships first. I think when you have strong relationships, you play for each other, have each other’s back more, and then I think just playing harder, just having that just leave it all out there on the court. I think when you have a bunch of younger guys who are trying to prove themselves, that’s what you get. So, uh, me and Ry definitely haven’t lost that even though we’re in our second year, still have that same desperation. So, I think that’s part of the culture as well. How differently do you feel with that 12 pounds of muscle, man? I feel great. Yeah, I think more than anything, I think it’s a confidence thing. Just feeling like you can use that muscle. Um, but yeah, I feel good. I think when I’m when I’m a little bit heavier, I feel like I move better and I’m more powerful. So, I feel good. You obviously were close with Kevin. What’s that been like for you seeing that he he was trained? Yeah, man. He was such a great teammate, great leader for us. So, um, it was it was great to just be able to say I was his teammate and learned a lot from him, me and Rise. So yeah, talk to him a little bit since he’s left. So yeah, I wish nothing but the best for him. How have you enjoyed getting to know coach and kind of what he’s expecting from you or what he envisions your role being for this upcoming year? Yeah, definitely. Um I mean he’s me and Rob been doing two days all summer and when we come back at night he’s still in here like he’s in here till 8 9 at night just working. So just love seeing that he’s out here running individuals and all types of stuff. So, I think being a leader like and showing you’re in it with us and not just saying you’re going to work hard, but actually doing it has been has been really great to see. It’s only been a couple of practices, but what do you think of the new guy Kaman and Rashir and Kob? Man, I love our rookies. I think most most importantly, really high character, all three of them just want to learn, want to get better. Um, man, they’re really good players. They’re going to be really good for a long time. What are you hoping to get out of the summer league this year? I want to win. I think you build winning habits right now. Um I think we’re just going to guard, fly around, have each other’s back. So I’m excited, but I definitely just going after winning. Um that’s that has to be number one thing on our mind at all times. Is there anything kind of special about, you know, specifically playing summer league in in Vegas as compared to some other places, Salt Lake or in Sacramento or in San Francisco? I mean, I don’t personally like Vegas, but but with Vegas, man. It’s just a lot going on. I just I just like, you know, but I’m I’m I’m excited, though, cuz I’m going to have four of my Marquette teammates playing out there, which is super exciting. So, super happy for them. Um, we’ll probably have dinner or something when we’re out there. But, I mean, I’m just excited the opportunity to play again. It’s been a while, unlike last summer where we went all year round. This is our first time playing a little bit, so I’m excited. Now, other than the, you know, three rookies that have joined you guys for this the summer league, is there anyone else that’s on the on the roster that kind of stands out to you or that you’ve kind of bonded with already in a couple days here? Yeah, we have a lot this this one of our I mean, way better than last year, I think. Um, I guess I shouldn’t say that, but but we have really good guys. Boogie Ellis, Yuri Collins, Khif Battle, Moses Wood. I mean, everyone all from top to bottom, everyone’s been in here competing, being vocal. Um, so we have I think we have a good good roster.

Oso Ighodaro speaks with the media following Phoenix Suns Summer League Practice on July 8th, 2025. Ighodaro talks about what he’s done this offseason in terms of preparation, looking ahead to year two in the NBA, and what he’s looking to get out of playing in Summer League coming up.

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