Six players of Nigerian heritage were selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, further highlighting Nigeria’s growing impact on global basketball as NBA franchises continued to invest in talent with Nigerian roots.
The two-day draft at the Barclays Center saw Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, Felix Okpara, Otega Oweh, Tobi Lawal, and Ugonna Onyenso all earn spots in the league.
Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie was chosen with the 17th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder before his draft rights were included in a proposed trade to the Detroit Pistons. Zuby Ejiofor, who starred at St. John’s University, went 23rd overall to the Atlanta Hawks after an impressive collegiate career.
Kentucky standout Otega Oweh was selected 41st overall by the Miami Heat, although his draft rights are expected to be traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oweh enjoyed an outstanding career at Kentucky, earning All-SEC Second Team honours in both seasons with the Wildcats. During his senior campaign, he averaged 18.6 points and 1.8 steals per game and produced a memorable 35-point performance against Santa Clara in the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. He is also the younger brother of Washington Commanders defensive end Odafe Oweh.
The Orlando Magic selected Felix Okpara with the 46th overall pick, while the Dallas Mavericks picked Tobi Lawal at No. 48.
Lawal’s journey to the NBA is particularly remarkable. Raised in London, he did not begin playing basketball until he was 16 years old before relocating to the United States to further his development. At Lee Academy Prep, he averaged 14.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 2.0 steals per game while shooting an impressive 67 percent from the field. He later continued his college career at Virginia Tech.
Houston Rockets selected Ugonna Onyenso with the 53rd overall pick following a unique path to professional basketball. Born in Imo State, Onyenso initially played football before switching to basketball after encouragement from a local coach.
He later joined the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal after moving to the United States in 2018 and attended Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut. Onyenso became the third graduate of NBA Academy Africa and the 15th NBA Academy alumnus to be drafted into the NBA.
At just 17, he also became the youngest player ever to represent Nigeria’s men’s national basketball team, underlining his rapid rise through the sport.
The selection of six players with Nigerian heritage reflects the country’s growing influence in international basketball and reinforces the steady pipeline of Nigerian-born and Nigerian-descended athletes making their mark in the NBA.
