2026 NBA Draft: Six Players of Nigerian Heritage Selected by NBA Teams

Nigeria's growing influence on world basketball was once again on display as six players of Nigerian heritage were selected during the 2026 NBA Draft, marking another significant milestone for the country's expanding talent pipeline.

The two-day draft, held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, saw Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, Felix Okpara, Otega Oweh, Tobi Lawal and Ugonna Onyenso hear their names called by NBA franchises as they took the next step in their professional careers.

Leading the Nigerian contingent was Stanford University guard Ebuka Okorie, who was selected 17th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, making him the highest-drafted player of Nigerian heritage this year. Okorie is, however, expected to join the Detroit Pistons as part of a previously arranged trade agreement.

St. John's University standout Zuby Ejiofor was the next Nigerian-heritage player off the board after being selected 23rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks following an outstanding collegiate season.

Felix Okpara also realised his NBA dream after the Orlando Magic selected him with the 46th overall pick.

Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal was chosen two spots later, going 48th overall to the Dallas Mavericks.

Otega Oweh was selected 41st overall by the Miami Heat, although his draft rights are expected to be transferred to the Oklahoma City Thunder under a pre-arranged trade.

The University of Kentucky standout enjoyed an impressive senior campaign, averaging 18.6 points and 1.8 steals per game while earning All-SEC Second Team honours for the second consecutive season.

Among the six players, Ugonna Onyenso's journey stands out as one of the most remarkable.

Selected 53rd overall by the Houston Rockets, the Imo State-born centre began his sporting career playing football in Nigeria before switching to basketball after relocating to the United States in 2018.

His rapid development earned him admission into the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, where he refined his game before emerging as one of the academy's latest success stories to reach the NBA.

Onyenso had already etched his name into Nigerian basketball history before the draft, becoming the youngest player to represent the country's senior men's national team, D'Tigers, at just 17 years old.

The selection of six players with Nigerian roots continues a growing trend of Nigerian representation in the NBA, reflecting the country's reputation as one of the world's richest sources of elite basketball talent.

With a new generation of stars now set to begin their professional careers, Nigeria's influence on the global game continues to expand, strengthening its legacy in one of the world's most competitive basketball leagues.