Three players of Nigerian descent Jonathan Mogbo, Oso Ighodaro and Adem Bona have been selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft which took place at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in Manhattan, New York, Bold Sports reports.
While initially projected for the late second round, these players defied expectations. Jonathan Mogbo, from the University of San Fransisco, surprised everyone by being drafted 31st overall by the Toronto Raptors.
Oso Ighodaro’s journey also took an interesting turn. Mock drafts placed him with the Memphis Grizzlies at 58th, but he ended up being picked earlier by the Portland Trail Blazers at 40th overall, via a trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
Adem Bona, on the other hand, followed his projected path. Originally expected to be drafted 41st by the Philadelphia 76ers, he landed exactly at that spot, solidifying his place in the NBA.
This continues a strong trend for Nigerian basketball. For the past ten years, at least one player with Nigerian roots has been selected in the NBA Draft, showcasing the nation’s growing basketball talent pool.
