Nigeria is all set to have its highest representation in the NBA Draft, with a projected 10 eligible players from Nigeria getting their names called at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center between June 23 and June 24, surpassing the previous high of 9 in 2020.
Featured will be Nigeria-born prospects such as Ugonna Onyenso, a Nigerian big man from Owerri who posted an ACC Tournament-record 21 blocks in 2023, and Felix Okpara, whose work during the league’s team workouts has boosted his stock.
Other strong Nigerian prospects like 23.2 ppg Stanford guard and first team All-ACC honoree Ebuka Okorie, 22 ppg St. John’s guard Zuby Ejiofor, and a promising Kentucky guard, Otega Oweh, are likely candidates as well.
There’s still an abundance of individual talent expected to be drafted, such as Tobe Awaka, Tobi Lawal, AK Okereke, Graham Ike, and Ernest Udeh Jr.
Other than a recent rise of NBA stars with Nigerian roots, with Hakeem Olajuwon, Antetokounmpo, Adebayo, and Anunoby among those with Nigeria in their background.
There has never been so much excitement and attention to Nigerian players entering the league as there is for this Draft.
