Osa Idada '25: The Big Man

This school year, Boys’ Varsity I basketball received four new recruits. There were big shoes to fill with Andre Mills ‘24 and Bryce Dortch ‘24 graduating.

One of Brimmer’s recruits was senior big man Osa Idada ‘25. Idada joined Brimmer hoping to make a big impact and get attention from Division One colleges.

Senior center Osa Idada '25 joined the Gators as one of the School's recruits, hoping to make a significant impact and attract attention from Division I colleges.

Last year, Idada attended Cambridge Arts, Technology, and Science (CATS) Academy. His season was cut short due to an injury in a game, coincidentally against Brimmer and May on December 10, 2023.

In 2024, Idada also played for Head Coach and Athletic Director Tom Nelson’s AAU team, Mass Rivals. Recruiting from Coach Nelson led Idada to Brimmer for his reclassified senior season.

Idada shared his thoughts on Nelson’s coaching and the level of play at Brimmer.

“He [Nelson] just instills confidence in you,” Idada said. “There's a lot of hiding [in other basketball environments], but you can't hide here [Brimmer].”

Osa Idada '25 dunks against Lawrence Academy, helping the team cap its 81-79 victory. Photo by David Barron.

Osa Idada '25 scores over a Lawrence Academy defender. Photo by David Barron.

The team huddles during a timeout, as Head Coach Tom Nelson devices a play. Photo by David Barron.

“I had surgery in March, so I came back, and I’ve just been trying to deal with my needs. That's what derailed me from going to the highest level possible.”

—Osa Idada '25

Osa Idada '25 plays against The Newman School at the Track at New Balance. Photo by Jeremiah Peralta.

This season, Idada has played a bigger role than he has on previous teams, taking on the starting center role for the Gators.

Idada has put up big numbers, including multiple double-doubles. A highlight of his season so far was his performance in the January 11 game against a talented Cheshire Academy team, where he had 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Idada also had a game-winning tip-in against South Kent in a tight matchup on February 15, where he also boasted a double-digit point total.

Osa Idada '25 scores the winner shot against South Kent, 77-76. Video courtesy of New England Basketball League.

Idada has not only been a leader in statistics, but he has also become a role model for his younger teammates, being the only senior on the team.

His freshman teammate, BJ Dawan-Abdullah ‘28 sees him as a leader.

“Osa leads by example, he is a vital piece of our team,” Dawan-Abdullah said.

New England Prep Hoops describes Idada as “a match-up nightmare.” This shows in his game, as Idada is known for his rim protection and his high-level athleticism. He is currently ranked the 267th-best senior nationally on Prep Hoops.

Idada’s goal for the rest of the season is to get to the NEPSAC AA playoffs. Last year Brimmer and May made it to the championship but fell to Bradford Christian Academy 81- 58.

In terms of his future, Idada has not announced where he will be attending college next year, only sharing a short statement on it.

“Stay tuned,” Idada said.

Osa Idada '25 plays against CATS Academy, his old school where attended before arriving here. Photo by Kyle Prue on instagram