Six players of Nigerian heritage were selected across the two rounds of the NBA draft, highlighting the growing impact of Nigerian talent on the global game and reinforcing the country’s reputation as one of basketball’s most productive talent pipelines.
The historic class featured a mix of Nigerian-born athletes and first-generation Nigerians who have risen through American college basketball and international development programmes to reach the sport’s biggest stage.
Here are the Six Nigerians Selected
Ebuka Okorie – Oklahoma City Thunder (17th Overall)
Leading the Nigerian contingent was Ebuka Okorie, who became the highest-selected player of Nigerian heritage in the 2026 draft after being picked 17th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Stanford guard enjoyed a breakout freshman campaign, earning national attention for his scoring ability, explosiveness and creativity as a playmaker. Standing just over 6-foot-1 but boasting an impressive wingspan, Okorie emerged as one of the draft’s most dynamic guards.
His selection gives the defending NBA champions another young talent to develop alongside one of the league’s strongest rosters.
Zuby Ejiofor – Atlanta Hawks (23rd Overall)
Nigerian-born forward Zuby Ejiofor was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 23rd overall pick in the first round.
Ejiofor’s journey to the NBA is one of the most remarkable in this year’s class. After beginning his college career at Kansas, he blossomed at St. John’s under legendary coach Rick Pitino and became one of the most decorated players in college basketball.
He made history as the first player in Big East Conference history to win Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Scholar-Athlete of the Year and Tournament Most Outstanding Player in the same season.
Otega Oweh – Oklahoma City Thunder (41st Overall)
Kentucky standout Otega Oweh was selected 41st overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
Born to Nigerian parents of Urhobo and Igbo heritage, Oweh developed into one of the Southeastern Conference’s most productive scorers. He averaged 18.6 points in his final collegiate season and established himself as a powerful two-way wing capable of attacking the basket and defending multiple positions.
His selection gives Oklahoma City a second Nigerian-linked prospect from this draft class.
Tobi Lawal – Dallas Mavericks (48th Overall)
The Dallas Mavericks used the 48th pick to select Tobi Lawal, a high-flying forward from Virginia Tech.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Lawal attracted significant attention during the NBA Draft Combine because of his elite athleticism. He built a reputation as a versatile defender, energetic rebounder and transition threat capable of impacting games without needing the ball in his hands.
Many scouts believe his athletic profile gives him considerable upside at the professional level.
Jaden Bradley – Toronto Raptors (50th Overall)
Toronto selected Arizona guard Jaden Bradley with the 50th overall pick.
Bradley, who traces his roots to Nigeria through his family heritage, entered the draft after a standout collegiate career. He was named Big 12 Player of the Year and helped lead Arizona to a Final Four appearance while establishing himself as one of the country’s most reliable floor generals.
His leadership, defensive intensity and playmaking ability made him an attractive second-round option.
Ugonna Onyenso – Detroit Pistons (53rd Overall)
The final Nigerian player selected in the draft was Ugonna Onyenso, who was taken with the 53rd overall pick before his rights ultimately landed with the Detroit Pistons.
Born in Owerri, Imo State, Onyenso’s basketball journey took him through NBA Academy Africa before stops at Kentucky, Kansas State and Virginia. Widely regarded as one of the best shot blockers in college basketball, the 7-footer established himself as an elite defensive prospect. (
His selection further validates the success of the NBA Academy Africa programme in developing world-class talent.
