Nigeria’s growing influence in global basketball was once again highlighted at the 2026 NBA Draft, with six players of Nigerian heritage selected by NBA franchises during the two-day event held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Gatekeepers News reports that the players—Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, Otega Oweh, Felix Okpara, Tobi Lawal and Ugonna Onyenso—were picked by six different teams, although some are expected to join other franchises through pre-arranged draft-night trades.
Okorie and Ejiofor were first-round selections, while Oweh, Okpara, Lawal and Onyenso were chosen in the second round.
Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie was selected 17th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder but is expected to join the Detroit Pistons following the completion of an agreed trade.
St. John’s University standout Zuby Ejiofor was picked 23rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks after an impressive collegiate career.
Kentucky guard Otega Oweh was selected 41st overall by the Miami Heat, although his draft rights are expected to be transferred to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Oweh enjoyed an outstanding final college season, averaging 18.6 points and 1.8 steals per game while earning All-SEC Second Team honours for the second straight year. He also produced a memorable 35-point performance against Santa Clara in the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Basketball excellence runs in his family, with his elder brother, Odafe Oweh, currently playing in the NFL after being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Former Ohio State and Tennessee centre Felix Okpara was selected 46th overall by the Orlando Magic.
Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal followed shortly after, going 48th overall to the Dallas Mavericks.
Lawal’s journey to the NBA has been remarkable. Raised in London, he only began playing basketball at the age of 16 before relocating to the United States, where he developed into one of the leading prospects at Lee Academy Prep. During his time there, he averaged 14.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, three blocks and two steals per game while shooting 67 per cent from the field.
The Houston Rockets completed the Nigerian contingent by selecting Ugonna Onyenso with the 53rd overall pick.
Born in Imo State, Onyenso initially pursued football before switching to basketball after moving to the United States in 2018. He later enrolled at the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, becoming only the third graduate of the programme to be drafted into the NBA.
His rise began even before leaving Nigeria, as he became the youngest player to represent Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team at the age of 17 before continuing his development at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut.
The six selections further underline Nigeria’s growing contribution to international basketball and the increasing presence of players of Nigerian heritage in the NBA.
