Six Nigerians Make NBA Draft History With Record-Breaking Picks

'We've always known that Nigerian basketball has a lot of potential, and this draft just proves it. These young men have worked so hard to get to this point, and I couldn't be prouder of them.'

• Ex-D’Tigers coach Brown.

The single biggest fact in the NBA Draft is that six Nigerian players were selected this year. But what makes this feat truly remarkable is the fact that Felix Okpara and Ugonna Onyenso have become the second pair of Nigeria-born players to be drafted in the same year.

Felix Okpara, a centre from the University of Tennessee, made history in the second round by becoming the 46th overall pick by the Orlando Magic. He's a shot-blocking machine, leading his team in blocks per game with 1.6 and earning himself a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team. His journey to the NBA is a story of perseverance and dedication.

Growing up in Nigeria, Okpara played football before taking up basketball shortly after relocating to the United States. He went on to star for Tennessee, where he developed his skills and caught the attention of NBA scouts.

Ugonna Onyenso, born in Owerri, is another success story from Nigeria's basketball scene. He joined the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, at just 14, where he spent three years honing his craft. Onyenso then transferred to Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut, where he averaged 13.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.

The centre's breakout season came at the University of Virginia, where he earned spots on the ACC All-Defensive Team and ACC All-Tournament First Team. His selection in the 53rd pick by the Houston Rockets makes him the third NBA Academy Africa graduate and 15th NBA Academy alumnus overall to be drafted.

Other notable Nigerian players selected in the draft include Ebuka Okorie, a Stanford University product with Nigerian ties who was picked 17th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder; Zuby Ejiofor of St John’s University, who was chosen 23rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks; Otega Oweh, who holds Nigerian ties and starred at the University of Kentucky, going 41st overall to the Miami Heat; and Tobi Lawal, a London-born forward of Nigerian descent who played his college basketball at Virginia Tech, taken 48th overall by the Dallas Mavericks.

This historic draft has sent shockwaves across the basketball community, with many hailing the incredible talent and hard work of Nigerian basketball players. As the new generation of players takes centre stage, fans are eagerly awaiting their first NBA games.