Nigerian teen David Ugonna using BAL to follow in Khaman

Leonard Solms Close Jack of all sporting trades. Author of my 11-year-old self’s fantasy story about his roadway to FIFA World Cup glory. Refining the art of writing about people who do what I stated I was going to do.Jun 5, 2025, 05:10 AM ET The NBA Academy Africa’s effort is bearing fruit like never ever before this year, with Khaman Maluach most likely to be a top 10 draft choice this year and Rueben Chinyelu a ruling national champion with Florida.Back home in Africa, Nigeria’s 17-year-old phenom

Ike David Ugonna(Rivers Hoopers)is intending to follow in their steps at the Basketball Africa League(BAL ). Maluach, Chinyelu and Toronto Raptors ‘Ulrich Chomche– who in 2015 ended up being the first NBA Africa academy product prepared into the NBA– have actually left big shoes to fill in the BAL.After his remarkable efficiency in 2015 and subsequent Protective MVP Award at Basketball Without Borders Africa in Johannesburg, Ugonna stands out as one young talent who can follow in their footsteps.Ugonna had an excellent launching season for Rivers Hoopers at last year’s BAL, balancing 4.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.A 6-foot-10 center, the teenager showed flashes

of sparkle from the start, but only hit complete stride later on in the tournament. Notable efficiencies came versus APR in Dakar, where he chose

up 8 boards, and in his two double-digit point games at the playoffs, scoring 11 against AS Douanes and 10 against Al Ahly Benghazi.Rivers Hoopers lost to Ahly Benghazi in the semi-finals, but beat Cape Town Tigers in the third-placed playoff. Once once again, Ugonna was excellent with 10 rebounds against the South African side. Ike David Ugonna(17)has been playing for Rivers Hoopers in the BAL for the previous two season, as part of the BAL Raise

program, which sees NBA Academy teens placed with sides in the competition. Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images This season, albeit with restricted minutes, he was relied upon slightly less during the group phase, however still balanced a decent 4.7 points and 3.2 rebounds.”From back home in Nigeria, I have family back home, so I’m attempting to do what I can out here to try get to the league(the NBA )and help them,”Ugonna informed ESPN ahead of the BAL playoffs in Pretoria.”I began playing basketball in 2020. My moms and dads [are my motivation] Right now, things in Nigeria are truly hard, so they influence me to keep going so I can help them in the future. “It’s an honour for me, playing in the BAL. I need to come out and complete and represent my nation any method I can.”Ugonna is taking motivation from seeing his peers from the NBA

Academy Africa playing in the U.S.A.: “I’ve learned to follow in their footsteps … I hope I’ll be

next.” There is no doubt he is one of the most gifted Nigerian prospects of his generation- up there with Chinyelu and Ugonna Onyenso. Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu stated that there are a lot more talents like Ugonna waiting in the wings for their chance to shine.” Rueben was likewise a player in the Basketball Africa League. He remains in the States, playing college basketball now. The first time he bet the national group in among the World Cup qualifying windows, he was [a similar] age too and he put up a great performance like that,”Odaudu stated in a press conference. “There are quite a lot of kids like that who play basketball. It resembles a lifestyle in Nigeria. You go to the arena although centers are not top notch. You’re going to see a great deal of kids out there playing on a difficult surface, throwing a basketball around. This is simply the start. You are visiting a lot more. “Rivers Hoopers will face US Monastir on June 7 as they fight for the 3rd seed at the BAL Playoffs. The winner will deal with the loser of the game for the 5th seed between Petro de Luanda and Armée Patriotique Rwandaise(APR)and vice-versa. The BAL playoffs and final will air on ESPN’s channels in Africa( DStv 218 and 219, Starsat 248) and regional affiliates.