PICTORIAL: 6 Nigerians Make Enviable 2026 NBA Draft

Nigeria’s growing influence on world basketball reached another milestone as six players of Nigerian origin were selected in the 2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, underscoring the country’s status as one of the most prolific producers of basketball talent outside the United States.

From Lagos and Anambra roots to college basketball’s biggest stages, the six players – Ebuka Okorie, Felix Okpara, Toibu  Lawal, Otega Oweh, Zuby Ejiofor and Ugonna Onyenso – represent a new generation of Nigerian talent making its mark on the global game.

Their selections continue a rich Nigerian legacy in the NBA, including legends such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Al-Farouq Aminu, Josh Okogie and Precious Achiuwa.

Hereunder are the six Nigerians who got drafted to the NBA:

EBUKA OKORIE

Draft Team: Detroit Pistons (selected with the 17th overall pick by Oklahoma City Thunder before trade arrangements)

Position: Guard

School: University of Dayton

Origin: South-East Nigeria  (Exact state not known as of the time of filing this report)

Age: 19

Height: 6 ft 2

Place Of Birth: United States

Okorie emerged as one of the biggest risers in the 2026 draft class after a stellar collegiate career at Dayton. Known for his scoring ability, playmaking and perimeter shooting, the explosive guard developed into one of the most productive backcourt players in college basketball.

His first-round selection made him the highest-drafted player of Nigerian heritage in the 2026 class. It reinforced his reputation as one of the most polished guards available in the draft. Reports from draft analysts projected him as a player capable of making an immediate impact at the NBA level. 

ZUBY EJIOFOR

Draft Team: Atlanta Hawks (23rd Overall)

Position: Forward-Centre 

School: St. John’s University

Origin: Anambra

Age: 22

Height: 6 ft 9

Place Of Birth: United States

Ejiofor enjoyed a breakout career at St. John’s, where he became one of the most dominant frontcourt players in the Big East Conference.

Known for his physicality, rebounding and interior scoring, the powerful forward played a crucial role in St. John’s resurgence under coach Rick Pitino. His consistent performances elevated his draft stock and ultimately earned him a place among the six Nigerian-origin players selected in the 2026 draft. His emergence further highlighted the depth of Nigerian talent across American college basketball.

OTEGA OWEH

Draft Team: Oklahoma City Thunder (41st overall)

Position: Guard

School: University of Kentucky

Origin: Delta State

Age: 23

Height: 6 ft 5

Place Of Birth: United States

Oweh established himself as one of the most dynamic two-way guards in college basketball. After beginning his collegiate career at Oklahoma, he transferred to Kentucky, where he became the Wildcats’ leading scorer.

The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists during his senior season. His defensive versatility and ability to attack the basket made him a valuable second-round selection for the reigning NBA champions, Oklahoma City Thunder. Oweh’s parents emigrated from Nigeria, and he has often spoken proudly about his Nigerian heritage. 

FELIX OKPARA

Draft Team: Orlando Magic (46th overall), later traded to the Washington Wizards

Position: Forward/Centre

School: University of Tennessee

Origin: Anambra State, Nigeria

Age: 22

Height: 6 ft 11 

Place Of Birth: Nigeria

Standing 6-foot-10, Okpara built a reputation as one of the best defensive big men in college basketball. Before starring at Tennessee, he played at Ohio State and established himself as an elite rim protector.

A member of the SEC All-Defensive Team, Okpara’s combination of length, athleticism and shot-blocking ability made him an attractive prospect for NBA scouts. He grew up playing football (soccer) in Nigeria before relocating to the United States in 2018, where his basketball career rapidly blossomed. 

TOBI  LAWAL

Draft Team: Dallas Mavericks (48th overall)

Position: Forward

School: Virginia Tech

Origin: South-West Nigeria (Exact state not known as of the time of filing this report)

Age: 26

Height: 6 ft 8

Place Of Birth: United Kingdom

Lawal’s journey to the NBA is among the most remarkable in this draft class. Born in London to Nigerian parents, he did not begin playing basketball competitively until age 16.

After attending Lee Academy in Maine, he played two seasons at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) before transferring to Virginia Tech. His elite athleticism turned heads during the NBA Draft Combine, where he recorded one of the best vertical leaps in combine history.

At Virginia Tech, Lawal averaged 12.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, developing into one of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s most athletic forwards. His selection by Dallas marked another significant milestone for British-Nigerian basketball talent. 

UGONNA ONYENSO

Draft Team: Detroit Pistons (53rd Overall)

Position: Centre

School: University of Kansas

Origin: Imo state, Nigeria

Age: 21  

Height 6 ft 11

Place Of Birth: Nigeria

Onyenso is another Nigerian-born prospect whose basketball journey began in Nigeria before moving to the United States.

The 6’11” footer built his reputation as an elite shot blocker and defensive anchor during his college career, first at Kentucky and later at Kansas. His size, wingspan and defensive instincts attracted NBA scouts looking for rim protection and rebounding.

The 2026 NBA Draft will be remembered as a landmark moment for Nigerian basketball. The selection of six Nigerian players demonstrates the growing impact of Nigerian talent on the global basketball landscape.

While some of the players were born in Nigeria and others abroad, all share a common heritage that continues to shape one of basketball’s most influential talent pipelines.

As they begin their NBA journeys, these six young men carry not only their personal dreams but also the aspirations of millions of Nigerian basketball fans eager to see the country’s influence on the world’s biggest basketball stage continue to grow.