Six players of Nigerian descent were selected during the 2026 NBA Draft, continuing the country’s growing influence on the global basketball stage as franchises across the league invested in emerging talent with Nigerian heritage.
The two-day draft, held at the Barclays Center, saw Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, Felix Okpara, Otega Oweh, Tobi Lawal and Ugonna Onyenso hear their names called by NBA franchises.
Okorie, who played for Stanford University, was selected 17th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder before his draft rights were included in a planned trade to the Detroit Pistons. Ejiofor was chosen 23rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks after impressing during his collegiate career at St. John’s University.
Kentucky standout Oweh was picked 41st overall by the Miami Heat, with his draft rights also set to be traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oweh earned All-SEC Second Team honours in both of his seasons at Kentucky and averaged 18.6 points and 1.8 steals per game during his senior year. He also scored 35 points against Santa Clara in the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Oweh is the younger brother of Odafe Oweh, a defensive end for the Washington Commanders. The Orlando Magic selected Okpara with the 46th overall pick, while the Dallas Mavericks drafted Lawal 48th overall.
