NBA Stars Show Interest in Joining D’Tigers for Olympics

Four NBA players have shown interest in joining Nigeria's national basketball team, D’Tigers, following the appointment of David Fizdale as head coach. Fizdale, a former head coach for the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks, aims to lead Nigeria's men's basketball team towards the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Aaron Nesmith, currently with the Indiana Pacers and a former 14th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has committed to representing Nigeria in the upcoming international basketball window. Desmond Bane has also begun the process of switching allegiance to Nigeria, having previously expressed interest in a January 2026 BBC interview.

Onyeka Okongwu remains interested in joining the team, while Ayo Dosunmu has yet to finalize his commitment, although the coaching staff is keen to persuade him. The Nigerian Basketball Federation appointed Fizdale on a Saturday, emphasizing the ambition to qualify for the 2028 Olympics, where Nigeria aims to secure its first basketball medal.