The 2021 NBA Playoffs is just about reaching its climax, soon it will be time for teams to select players for the 2021/22 NBA draft.
The draft itself is set to place on July 29, and there are several decent talents that are absolutely ready to immediately seize the big stage in this year’s draft class.
Last year, Nigeria had a commanding representation in the draft as a record-breaking eight players with Nigerian heritage were selected by NBA teams. Even more interesting then was the fact that two of the eight players selected, namely Precious Achiuwa and Udoka Azubuike, were born and raised in Nigeria. Both Achiuwa (No. 20 pick overall) and Azubuike (No. 27) were in fact selected in the first round of the draft – the first time that up to two Nigerian-born players make the first round of the same NBA Draft.
Now for this year’s draft, only three players with Nigerian origin are in contention to be picked, and it sure is worthwhile to know all about this trio who could join the illustrious list of Nigerian representatives in the NBA.
- Usman Garuba
First on our list is 19-year-old Real Madrid Power forward Usman Garuba. Born in Madrid, Spain to Nigerian parents, has enjoyed massive success growing through the ranks at Madrid since he joined the side at a tender age of 11 years. Interestingly, he entered Real Madrid history books after becoming the youngest-ever to start a competitive game for the club, aged 17 years, six months and 19 days when he made the starting five in the league curtain raiser encounter against Joventut back in September 2019.
With a 6-foot-8 height and 7-foot-3 wingspan, Garuba has displayed immense qualities in the Spanish league that makes arguably the best defensive player in July’s draft class. He’s also got strong passing ability and has proven to be an intelligent team player. One weakness however is the fact that Garuba is not the free scoring type as he appears to struggle with his shooting accuracy. He averaged just 5.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in 36 games for Real Madrid in the Spanish league this season. Nonetheless, there is a big room for improvement considering his age.
- Ayo Dosunmu
22-year-old point guard Ayo Dosunmu is another player of Nigerian heritage who has a good chance at getting picked in the first round of the draft this year. Born in Chicago, Illinois to Nigerian parents, Dosunmu played his college basketball for Illinois Fighting Illini for three years before calling it quit earlier this year to declare for the NBA Draft.
He notably enjoyed massive success in his three-year stint with Illinois, especially in the just-concluded season in which he led the team to title glory at the Big Ten conference, averaging 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. A brilliant point guard standing at 6-foot-4 and a 6-foot-9 wingspan, his college play portrays him as an all-round player.
- Ochai Agbaji
Last but not least is Kansas Jayhawks’ shooting guard Ochai Agbaji. The 21-year-old was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to a Nigerian father and an American mother. He has played college basketball for Kansas for three years now before deciding to give his first shot at going professional by declaring for the NBA Draft, even as he yet retains his college eligibility.
He is one player who is quite good with shots from outside the area. In fact, he led the Big 12 conference in three-point field goals made (2.6) this season.
Do you see all three Nigerian players listed making it into NBA teams come July 29? It’s a tough bet, but at least two of them should get picked.
Talking of a bet, you would not want to miss out of the excitement and big rewards up for grabs on our basketball betting page at NetBet Nigeria even as the NBA season approaches its high point.
