These 6 African Players 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.

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.

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.

Wesley Iwundu 

The Nigerian-American small forward from Kansas State was the 33rd overall pick, and will join the Orlando Magic.

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.

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.