Three Nigerian basketball players are making significant strides in the 2024 NBA Draft, with Jonathan Mogbo, Oso Ighodaro, and Adem Bona all being selected in the second round.
The NBA Draft, an annual event, provides a platform for teams to pick talented young college players to join their professional ranks.
The 2024 NBA Draft, marking the 78th edition of the league’s annual selection event, spanned two nights on June 26 and 27, 2024.
This year, the draft was hosted at both the Barclays Center and ESPN Seaport District Studios.
In the 2024 edition, Nigerian-born or descended players have made a notable impact, with three securing spots in the second round.
Nigeria boasts a rich basketball tradition, and 2024 draft continues that legacy.
Trailblazers such as Hakeem Olajuwon and the current MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with several others from recent drafts, have paved the way for these new prospects.
Oso Ighodaro – Portland Trail Blazers, 40th Pick
Oso Ighodaro, 21, a 6’8″ forward from Marquette University, was drafted 40th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Throughout his college career, Ighodaro steadily improved, culminating in a standout senior season where he averaged 13.4 points and 4.3 rebounds.
Known for his defensive prowess, he is expected to make an immediate impact as a role player.
Jonathan Mogbo – Toronto Raptors, 31st Pick
Jonathan Mogbo, 22, a versatile 6’10” forward, was selected 31st by the Toronto Raptors.
Mogbo’s collegiate journey saw him playing for several schools, but he truly blossomed at the University of San Francisco, where he averaged a double-double in points and rebounds.
His size, athleticism, and passing ability make him a valuable asset for the Raptors.
Adem Bona – Philadelphia 76ers, 41st Pick
Adem Bona, 21, a 6’10” center from UCLA, was drafted 41st overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Born in Nigeria, Bona began his basketball career in Turkey. In college, he was a defensive powerhouse, earning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.
His size and defensive presence make him an intriguing prospect for the 76ers.
The 2024 draft underscores the continued influence and presence of Nigerian talent in the NBA, further cementing the nation’s reputation in the basketball world.
The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft took place on June 26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, followed by the second round, marking the completion of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Below are all the selections and reported trades from the 2024 NBA Draft:
First Round
1. Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg-en-Bresse
2. Wizards: Alex Sarr, Perth
3. Rockets: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
4. Spurs: Stephon Castle, Connecticut
5. Pistons: Ron Holland II, G League Ignite
6. Hornets: Tidjane Salaun, Cholet Basket
7. Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan, Connecticut
8. Spurs: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky — Traded to Timberwolves
9. Grizzlies: Zach Edey, Purdue
10. Jazz: Cody Williams, Colorado
11. Bulls: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
12. Thunder: Nikola Topic, KK Crvena Zvezda
13. Kings: Devin Carter, Providence
14. Trail Blazers: Bub Carrington, Pittsburgh — Traded to Wizards
15. Heat: Kel’el Ware, Indiana
16. 76ers: Jared McCain, Duke
17. Lakers: Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
18. Magic: Tristan da Silva, Colorado
19. Raptors: Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
20. Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson, California
21. Pelicans: Yves Missi, Baylor
22. Suns: DaRon Holmes II,Dayton — Traded to Nuggets
23. Bucks: AJ Johnson, Illawarra
24. Knicks: Kyshawn George, Miami — Traded to Wizards
25. Knicks: Pacome Dadiet, Ratiopharm Ulm
26. Wizards: Dillon Jones, Weber State — Traded to Thunder, via Knicks
27. Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr. Illinois
28. Nuggets: Ryan Dunn, Virginia — Traded to Suns
29. Jazz: Isaiah Collier, USC
30. Celtics: Baylor Scheierman, Creighton
Second Round
31. Raptors: Jonathan Mogbo, San Francisco
32. Jazz: Kyle Filipowski, Duke
33. Bucks: Tyler Smith, G League Ignite
34. Trail Blazers: Tyler Kolek, Marquette — Traded to Knicks
35. Spurs: Johnny Furphy (Kansas, — Traded to Pacers
36. Pacers: Juan Nunez, Ratiopharm Ulm — Traded to Spurs
37. Timberwolves: Bobi Klintman, Cairns — Reportedly traded to Pistons
38. Knicks: Ajay Mitchell, UC Santa Barbara — Traded to Thunder
39. Grizzlies: Jaylen Wells (Washington State
40. Trail Blazers: Oso Ighodaro Marquette — Traded to Suns, via Knicks
41. 76ers: Adem Bona, UCLA
42. Hornets: KJ Simpson, Colorado
43. Heat: Nikola Djurisic, KK Mega Basket — Traded to Hawks, via Heat
44. Rockets: Pelle Larsson, Arizona — Traded to Heat, via Rockets
45. Kings: Jamal Shead, Houston — Reportedly traded to Raptors
46. Clippers: Cam Christie, Minnesota
47. Magic: Antonio Reeves, Kentucky — Traded to Pelicans
48. Spurs: Harrison Ingram, North Carolina
49. Pacers: Tristen Newton, Connecticut
50. Pacers: Enrique Freeman, Akron
51. Knicks: Melvin Ajinca, Saint-Quentin Basketball, — Traded to Mavericks
52. Warriors: Quinten Post, Boston College — Traded to Thunder, then to Blazers, then to Warriors
53. Pistons: Cam Spencer, Connecticut — Reportedly traded to Grizzlies, via Timberwolves
54. Celtics: Anton Watson, Gonzaga
55. Lakers: Bronny James, USC
56. Suns: Kevin McCullar Jr. ,Kansas — Traded to Knicks
57. Grizzlies: Ulrich Chomche, NBA Academy Africa — Reportedly traded to Raptors, via Timberwolves
58. Mavericks: Ariel Hukporti, MHP Riesen — Traded to Knicks
