NATIONAL Basketball Association, the United States of America-based world leading men’s basketball league, has contributed more than half of the players to Nigeria’s provisional squad to the Tokyo Olympics.
After weeks of camping, D’Tigers head coach Mike Brown has cut down the 49-man group to 15 ahead of the friendly series lined up for the team just before the Games in Tokyo.
The 15-man list is made up of eight NBA stars headed by Detroit Piston centre, Jahlil Okafor, who is in line to make his international debut for Nigeria.
Miami Heat trio of Gabe Vincent, Chikezie ‘KZ’ Okpala and 2020 NBA draft pick Precious Achiuwa have also been included in the last phase of preparation, along with Utah Jazz’s Miye Oni.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Josh Okogie and Metu Chimezie of Sacramento Kings will be making a return to the team following their exploits at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China where the youngsters helped Nigeria secure an Olympics ticket alongside Ike Iroegbu.
Jordan Nwora of NBA Finals contenders Milwaukee Bucks is also in the 15.
He is the current and youngest highest point scorer for Nigeria in a competitive game and has made history by playing under his father as D’Tigers head coach.
After missing out of the 2019 World Cup, Spain-based Obi Emegano is back in the 15, along with Caleb Agada, Ekpe Udoh and Stanley Okoye, who has been a constant feature in the team since 2015.
A member of the 2015 AfroBasket roster, Mike Gbinije, made the cut with Chima Moneke, who has been impressive for the team since making his debut during the 2021 AfroBasket qualifiers.
Brown revealed that the final 12-man list will be named days before their trip to Tokyo.
Nigeria is grouped alongside Australia, Germany and Italy in the men’s basketball event of the Olympics.
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