NBA DRAFT 2026: SIX PLAYERS WITH NIGERIAN ROOTS LAND FRANCHISE PICKS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Six players of Nigerian heritage were selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, underlining Nigeria’s growing impact on the global basketball landscape.
The players — Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, Felix Okpara, Otega Oweh, Tobi Lawal and Ugonna Onyenso — were chosen by various NBA franchises during the two-day draft event held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Stanford University guard Ebuka Okorie was the highest-picked player of Nigerian descent, going 17th overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, he is expected to join the Detroit Pistons as part of a proposed trade arrangement.
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St. John’s University standout Zuby Ejiofor was selected 23rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks following a stellar college season.
Felix Okpara was taken 46th overall by the Orlando Magic, while Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal went 48th overall to the Dallas Mavericks.
Houston Rockets selected Ugonna Onyenso with the 53rd overall pick. The Imo State-born center has followed an unusual path to the NBA, having started out as a footballer in Nigeria before switching to basketball after moving to the United States in 2018. He later developed his game at the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, becoming one of the academy’s latest success stories.
Onyenso also holds the distinction of being the youngest player ever to represent Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, making his debut at just 17 years old.
Otega Oweh was chosen 41st overall by the Miami Heat, although his draft rights are expected to be acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder through a previously arranged trade.
The University of Kentucky star enjoyed an outstanding senior campaign, averaging 18.6 points and 1.8 steals per game, while earning All-SEC Second Team honours for the second straight season.
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