2026 NBA Draft: Six players of Nigerian heritage earn selections

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By Enitan Abdultawab

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Six players of Nigerian descent were among those selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, further highlighting Nigeria’s growing influence on basketball’s biggest stage.

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The players — Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, Felix Okpara, Otega Oweh, Tobi Lawal and Ugonna Onyenso — were picked by different NBA franchises during the two-day draft held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

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Stanford University’s Ebuka Okorie emerged as the highest-selected player of Nigerian heritage, going 17th overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, he is expected to join the Detroit Pistons as part of a planned trade agreement.

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Zuby Ejiofor, who starred for St. John’s University, was selected 23rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks after an impressive college campaign.

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Felix Okpara was picked 46th overall by the Orlando Magic, while Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal was selected 48th overall by the Dallas Mavericks.

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Ugonna Onyenso was drafted 53rd overall by the Houston Rockets. The Imo State-born center has one of the most unique journeys among the six players. Onyenso initially played football in Nigeria before switching to basketball after relocating to the United States in 2018. He later trained at the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, becoming one of the academy’s growing list of NBA draft products.

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At just 17 years old, Onyenso made history as the youngest player to feature for Nigeria’s senior men’s national basketball team, D’Tigers.

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Otega Oweh was selected 41st overall by the Miami Heat, although his draft rights are expected to be transferred to the Oklahoma City Thunder through a pre-arranged trade.

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The University of Kentucky standout enjoyed an excellent senior season, averaging 18.6 points and 1.8 steals per game while earning All-SEC Second Team honours for the second consecutive year.

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