Nigeria’s expanding presence in international basketball received another boost at the 2026 NBA Draft as six players of Nigerian heritage secured selections during the two-day event held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The latest crop of draftees includes Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, Otega Oweh, Felix Okpara, Tobi Lawal and Ugonna Onyenso, underlining the country’s growing contribution to elite basketball talent across the world.
While Okorie and Ejiofor were selected in the first round, Oweh, Okpara, Lawal and Onyenso earned second-round picks in a draft that highlighted the increasing prominence of players with Nigerian roots within the NBA pipeline.
Stanford University guard Ebuka Okorie emerged as the highest-selected Nigerian-descended player after being chosen 17th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Although drafted by the Thunder, Okorie is expected to continue his professional career with the Detroit Pistons following a previously arranged draft-night trade agreement.
Another major milestone came through St. John’s University standout Zuby Ejiofor, who was selected with the 23rd overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks after an impressive collegiate career.
Kentucky guard Otega Oweh was the next Nigerian-linked prospect off the board after being picked 41st overall by the Miami Heat.
Reports indicate that Oweh’s draft rights are expected to be transferred to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a separate transaction.
The guard entered the draft following a productive final season in college basketball, where he averaged 18.6 points and 1.8 steals per game.
His performances earned him All-SEC Second Team recognition for the second successive year.
One of the highlights of his campaign came during the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament when he delivered a 35-point display against Santa Clara.
Oweh also comes from a family with a strong sporting pedigree.
His elder brother, Odafe Oweh, currently plays in the National Football League after being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Former Ohio State University and University of Tennessee centre Felix Okpara was selected 46th overall by the Orlando Magic.
Shortly afterwards, Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal became another Nigerian-descended player to hear his name called when the Dallas Mavericks used the 48th overall pick to secure his services.
Lawal’s path to the NBA differs from many of his peers as he only began playing basketball at the age of 16 while growing up in London.
After relocating to the United States, he continued his development at Lee Academy Prep, where he established himself as one of the programme’s leading prospects.
During his time there, Lawal averaged 14.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, three blocks and two steals per game while converting 67 per cent of his field-goal attempts.
The Houston Rockets completed the Nigerian representation at the draft by selecting Ugonna Onyenso with the 53rd overall pick.
Born in Imo State, Onyenso initially pursued a career in football before switching to basketball after relocating to the United States in 2018.
His development accelerated when he joined the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, a programme designed to identify and nurture elite basketball prospects across the continent.
His selection makes him only the third graduate of the academy to be drafted into the NBA.
Before departing Nigeria, Onyenso had already begun attracting attention within basketball circles.
At the age of 17, he became the youngest player to represent Nigeria’s senior men’s national basketball team.
He later continued his development at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut, where he strengthened his credentials as a future NBA prospect.
The selection of six players of Nigerian descent at the 2026 NBA Draft further reflects the country’s growing influence on the global basketball stage.
It also reinforces the increasing role that Nigerian-born athletes and players of Nigerian heritage continue to play in shaping the future of the sport at the highest professional level.
