NBA: 6 Nigerians, 2 Congolese... the 16 Africans in the new season
NBA: 6 Nigerians, 3 Cameroonians, 2 Congolese, 1 Senegalese, 1 Sudanese... the 16 Africans in the new season
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Denver are putting their title on the line again. Although the team's two stars, Nikola Jokic (Serbia) and Jamal Murray (Canada), are not American, the Colorado franchise will begin the defence of their crown without a single African in their ranks. Phoenix is the place to go to see the biggest contingent of players from the continent. Four of them wear the Suns jersey, three of whom are Nigerian: Josh Okogie, Udoka Azubuike and Chimézie Métu. As Africa's most populous country, Nigeria also has the most representatives in the American basketball league. There are currently six D-Tigers, in addition to those who are Americans born to Nigerian parents.
Behind Nigeria, Cameroon come next with three players, including the two most prominent Africans in the NBA. They are Joel Embiid, who currently holds the titles of the league's MVP and top scorer, and his compatriot Pascal Siakam, the Raptors' franchise player. Under his wing, PS47 also has sophomore Christian Koloko. In total, 8 African nations will be represented.
Nigeria, whose six players put them level with Germany, will be the 5th most represented foreign country in the NBA, behind Canada (26), France (14), Australia (9) and Serbia (7).
The Africans in the NBA
Nigeria (6)
Josh Okogie (Forward, Suns)
Udoka Azubuike (Center, Suns)
Charles Bassey (Center, San Antonio)
Precious Achiuwa (Center, Toronto)
Chimézie Métu (Center, Suns)
Jordan Nwora (Forward, Indiana)
Cameroon (3)
Joël Embiid (Center, Sixers)
Christian Koloko (Center, Toronto)
Pascal Siakam (Power forward, Toronto)
DR Congo (2)
Jonathan Kuminga (Forward, Golden State)
Oscar Tshiebwe (Center, Indiana)
Angola (1)
Bruno Fernando (Center, Atlanta)
Mali (1)
Adama Sanogo (Power forward/Center, Chicago Bulls)
Senegal (1)
Mouhamed Guèye (Center, Atlanta)
South Sudan (1)
Duop Reath (Center, Portland)
Sudan (1)
Bol Bol (Center, Suns)
✱ NB: Mo Bamba (United States / Ivory Coast), OG Anunoby (England / Nigeria) and Georges Niang (United States / Senegal) are not listed as Africans by the NBA because they have not yet officially changed their sporting nationality. They are registered