Olujobi commits while healing

Brentwood’s Femi Olujobi had two important tasks for his senior season. One mission is accomplished – the 6-8 forward already has accepted a scholarship to Oakland (Mich.) University, a Division I school that plays in the Horizon League.

The second mission -- to help the Indians win a Long Island Class AA championship – remains on hold, as Olujobi has yet to return to action after suffering a fractured patella while playing in a summer league game. “He’s been cleared by doctors to begin basketball activities,” Brentwood coach Anthony Jimenez said in early December. “I’m optimistic that he’ll be back. He’s working hard. But we have set no timetable for his return.”

In the meantime, Olujobi has attended all of Brentwood’s games, cheering from the bench and joining his teammates in the huddles during timeouts. Even without Olujobi, a Newsday All-Long Island second-team selection last season, the Indians are strong favorites to challenge for the Suffolk AA title behind super sophomores guard Mike Almonacy and forward Jamel Allen.

There’s no need to rush Olujobi back into the lineup with Brentwood off to a solid 2-1 start, losing only to defending Long Island Class A champion Amityville in overtime. The bulk of the League I schedule is in January and playoffs begin the second week in February.