Turkish basketball powerhouse, Galatasaray, has bolstered its frontcourt with the signing of Nigerian center Ebuka Izundu on a one-year deal which includes an option for an additional season.
Ebuka Izundu, a former Miami Hurricanes player who wasn’t drafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, joins Galatasaray after a successful stint with German club EWE Baskets Oldenburg. There, he averaged a well-rounded stat line of 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 0.4 steals, 0.4 blocks, and 0.3 assists per game in the German League.
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Prior to his time in Europe, Izundu impressed during a tryout with the Golden State Warriors in 2019. He even showcased his skills in the NBA Summer League final, recording a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, though the Warriors fell short to the Los Angeles Lakers (87-88).
Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, Izundu brings a wealth of European experience to Galatasaray. He has previously played for Real Betis (Spain), SIG Strasbourg (France), and Košarkaški klub FMP (Serbia), where he spent two seasons. Izundu has also seen action in 12 Champions League games with these teams.
This signing follows Galatasaray’s acquisition of another talented Nigerian player, guard David Efianayi. The 28-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Istanbul club to compete in both the upcoming Turkish league and Champions League seasons.
Efianayi, who played for Aliağa Petkim in the last Turkish league season, was the league’s second-leading scorer, averaging an impressive 19.8 points per game.