These 6 African Players Were Drafted Into the NBA Last Night
Six African basketball players—five from Nigeria and one from Rwanda—were drafted into the NBA last night.
DIASPORA—The 2017 NBA draft took place last night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Standout players from college basketball teams and international divisions—60 in total—were given the opportunity to join the pros in hopes of becoming future NBA stars.
A number of African athletes were present for the affair and a total of six players—five from Nigeria and one from Rwanda—will be added to team rosters this upcoming season.
See all of the African players picked during this year's NBA draft below. Congrats to them all!
Frank Ntilikina
The point guard, born in Strasbourg, France to Rwandan parents, was drafted by the Knicks and was the 2017 eighth overall pick.
New York! I can't wait to show the greatest city in the world what I've got. Check me out: #WhoDoYouCollect https://t.co/KI7T5sTdrR pic.twitter.com/Fn5AzBuTpQ
— Frank Ntilikina (@FrankLikina) June 23, 2017
Edrice "Bam" Adebayo
The 19-year-old, Nigerian-American power forward was the 14th overall draft pick. He joins the Miami Heat after playing just one season of college basketball at the University of Kentucky.
Blessed to have my dreams come true. Miami, I'm coming! Check out my rookie card #WhoDoYouCollect https://t.co/iyfPxHpHPG pic.twitter.com/m1amIhu5T6
— Bam Adebayo (@Bam1of1) June 23, 2017
Ogugua "OG" Anunoby
Also 19, the British-born, Nigerian forward was picked 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors. Before being drafted, Anunoby played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers.
OG.ANUNOBY.
OGUGUA.
— Raptors Mil Grau (@RaptorsMilGrau) June 23, 2017
Wesley Iwundu
The Nigerian-American small forward from Kansas State was the 33rd overall pick, and will join the Orlando Magic.
Congrats Wesley Iwundu @_Iwundu25 #NBAdraft2017 pic.twitter.com/2rjWh8UxsP
— Basketball Nigeria (@BballNaija) June 23, 2017
Semi Ojeleye
Ojeleye hails from Southern Methodist University and was the 37th overall pick last night. The Nigerian-American power forward was one of three of the Boston Celtic's second round picks.
Congrats @SemiOjeleye #NBADraft2017 pic.twitter.com/kJ4yFH73o4
— Basketball Nigeria (@BballNaija) June 23, 2017
Ike Anigbogu
The Indiana Pacers drafted the Nigerian-American University of California, Los Angeles freshman in the second round. He was the 47th overall pick.
NBATV: The Pacers select Ike Anigbogu with the #47 pick in the 2017 #NBADraft! pic.twitter.com/bb8YiqLvFQ https://t.co/E7KkTNiIYL #NBA
— Instant NBA Updates (@InstaNBAUpdates) June 23, 2017
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