In what turned out to be an utterly satisfying turn of events, all 8 basketball talents with links to Nigeria saw their dreams fulfilled by getting drafted to different teams in the NBA in what is now referred to Naija Basketball Association.
A 100% success rate. By far the best draft night from a Nigerian perspective, one that will live long in the memory of basketball fans in the country and may well even be the start of a new trend, leading to more Nigerian representation in the NBA in the future.
However, before the future is the present, and even that is looking pretty good, 8 more players are about to further improve Nigeria’s reputation in the NBA.
Naija Basketball Association: The Early Picks
The first, of which is Isaac Okoro, selected 5th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
1st among the Nigerians. The 6 foot 6 small forward will be heading to Cleveland (as soon as he’s done with his elaborate draft party of course) and the Cavs know exactly what they’re getting, a lot of energy, excitement, and athleticism, the kind of player to get the fans on their feet, as soon as they’re allowed back in the arenas.
Immediately followed by another Nigerian, 19-year-old Center, Onyeka Okongwu was drafted 6th overall by the Atlanta Hawks.
in what already looks like a perfect fit if he can hit the ground running.
The Hawks have been crying out for an elite big, capable at both ends of the court and so was Onyeka, who was in tears at the realization of being drafted.
An emotional moment for the young man and his family.
He’s already forming some chemistry with his new teammate, Trae Young on Twitter, and that may well translate to some great plays on the court.
The thought of the lobs and the pick plays is enough to make the Atlanta fans salivate.
More Nigerian Picks In An Eventful NBA Draft Night
It would take 14 more picks to see another Nigerian get drafted with Precious Achiuwa at 20, followed by 3 more Nigerian picks in the final 10, meaning the country boasted 6 players picked in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft.
The power forward adds his strength and dynamism to the Heat roster that made a run to the NBA finals last season, and with fellow Nigerian big man, Bam Adebayo to teach him the ropes, the sky might just be the limit.
Along with Precious, Udoka Azubuike was also drafted, the 27th pick by the Utah Jazz, making it the first time two Nigerian-born players have been drafted in the first round.
19-year-old Power Forward, Zeke Nnaji is headed to the Denver Nuggets, selected 22nd overall, and the beautiful scenes of celebration from right in his living room after hearing his name called by commissioner Adam Silver was a bonus.
Zeke and the rest of his family were fully clothed in native attire and his mom in particular drew a lot of attention, what one might even refer to as ‘breaking the internet.
Surprising Names Almost Slipping Through
The last Nigerian in the first round also happened to be the very last pick of the round, Memphis Grizzlies via the Boston Celtics selected Guard Desmond Bane 30th overall, and he’s expected to fit right in with their young and talented group of guards.
In a night of history and records, another one was snapped, Daniel Oturu must have been under some fair amount of pressure, carrying the hopes of his entire college, no player from the Minnesota Gophers men’s college basketball team had been drafted to the NBA in the last 16 years.
Daniel Oturu broke that dock when he was selected early in the 2nd round, with the 33rd overall pick by the New York Knicks via the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As the night continued to drag on the remaining picks got fewer by the minute, I’m sure a lot of people were anxiously waiting to see if their favorite player would get drafted, I know I was.
Second Round Picks
That anxiety turned into pure excitement midway into the 2nd round, when NBA deputy commissioner, Mark Tatum called the 8th and final Nigerian player in the draft, Jordan Nwora as the 45th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks have been contenders for the past two years but keep falling short mostly due to an over-reliance on star man, Giannis Antetokounmpo and no real help from the bench, something Jordan Nwora might be able to help with.
If he blends in well and early enough, his scoring ability could prove valuable to the Bucks, chipping in points and staying solid on defense whenever he gets his chances, predominantly off the bench I presume.
There you have it, all their years of hard work and determination, tunnel vision, and laser focus on one singular goal, making it to the NBA has been achieved, but if they were smart enough to make it this far, I’m sure