Six players of Nigerian descent were selected in the
2026 NBA Draft, highlighting Nigeria's growing influence on the global
basketball scene as NBA franchises continued to invest in talent with Nigerian
heritage.
The two-day draft at the Barclays Center saw Ebuka
Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, Felix Okpara, Otega Oweh, Tobi Lawal, and Ugonna Onyenso
all realize their NBA dreams after being picked by different teams.
Stanford University guard Ebuka Okorie was selected
17th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder before his draft rights were included
in a planned trade to the Detroit Pistons. Zuby Ejiofor followed as the 23rd
overall pick after an impressive collegiate career at St. John's University,
with the Atlanta Hawks selecting the talented forward.
Kentucky standout Otega Oweh was chosen with the 41st
overall pick by the Miami Heat, although his draft rights are expected to be
traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oweh enjoyed an outstanding college
career, earning All-SEC Second Team honours in each of his two seasons at
Kentucky. During his senior campaign, he averaged 18.6 points and 1.8 steals
per game, including a memorable 35-point performance against Santa Clara in the
opening round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Oweh is also the younger brother of Odafe Oweh, a
defensive end for the NFL's Washington Commanders.
The Orlando Magic selected Felix Okpara with the 46th
overall pick, while the Dallas Mavericks drafted Tobi Lawal three spots later
at No. 48.
Lawal, who was raised in London, only began playing
basketball at the age of 16 before relocating to the United States to continue
his development. After starring at Lee Academy Prep, he went on to play for
Virginia Tech, where he continued his rise. During his prep career, Lawal
averaged 14.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, and 2.0 steals per game while
shooting an impressive 67 percent from the field.
Ugonna Onyenso was selected 53rd overall by the
Houston Rockets after an inspiring journey that began in Nigeria. Originally a
football player, the Imo State-born centre switched to basketball following
advice from a local coach before earning a place at the NBA Academy Africa in
Senegal.
He later moved to the United States, attending Putnam
Science Academy in Connecticut, and became the third graduate of NBA Academy
Africa and the 15th NBA Academy alumnus to be drafted into the NBA.
Onyenso also made history as the youngest player to
represent Nigeria's senior men's national basketball team at just 17 years old,
underscoring his rapid development.
The selection of six players with Nigerian heritage in
a single draft further reflects Nigeria's growing reputation as one of the
world's leading producers of elite basketball talent and continues the
country's strong representation in the NBA.
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