Nigeria Set for Record NBA Draft with 10 Prospects

Nigeria is poised to achieve its highest representation in the NBA Draft, with up to 10 prospects eligible for selection at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 23-24, surpassing the previous record of 9 players in 2020. Among the notable Nigerian-born prospects are Ugonna Onyenso, who set an ACC tournament record with 21 blocks in 2023, and Felix Okpara, whose performance during league team workouts has boosted his stock.

Other strong prospects include Ebuka Okori, who averaged 22 points per game, St. John's guard Zubi Ejiofor, and Kentucky guard Otega Oweh. Additional candidates include Tobe Awaka, Tobi Lawal, Ak Okerek, Graham Ike, and Ernest Udeh Jr. The rise of these players is generating excitement, drawing attention to Nigerian talent in the NBA, reminiscent of past stars like Hakeem Olajuwon, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and OG Anunoby.