NBA Draft 2026: Africa’s basketball rise reaches historic new heights
BROOKLYN, New York — African basketball took center stage at the 2026 NBA Draft as more than ten players of African descent were selected during the two-day event at the Barclays Center. The historic class highlighted the continent’s growing influence on the global basketball landscape and the impact of development programs such as NBA Academy Africa.
AJ Dybantsa makes history as No. 1 pick
The biggest moment of the night came when the Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick. The BYU standout proudly represented his family roots from the Democratic Republic of Congo by wearing a pin honoring the country.
Dybantsa becomes only the second player with direct Congolese ties to be selected in the NBA Draft, following Serge Ibaka, who was drafted in 2008.
His selection at the top of the draft represents another milestone for African basketball and the continent’s ability to develop elite-level talent.
Nigeria leads African representation
Nigeria once again emerged as one of the biggest talent pipelines in the draft, producing six selections across both rounds.
The Nigerian players selected included:
- Ebuka Okorie (Stanford), picked 17th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder before his rights were traded to the Detroit Pistons.
- Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s), selected 23rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks after winning Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
- Otega Oweh (Kentucky), selected 41st overall.
- Felix Okpara (Tennessee), selected 46th overall.
- Tobi Lawal (Virginia Tech), selected 48th overall.
- Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia), selected 53rd overall by the Houston Rockets.
Onyenso’s selection marked another milestone as he became the third NBA Academy Africa alumnus to reach the NBA. Alongside Okpara, he also became part of only the second pair of Nigerian-born players selected in the same draft.
A continent-wide celebration
Africa’s impact extended far beyond Nigeria.
Rwanda celebrated a historic moment as Nate Ament, selected 13th overall by the Miami Heat, became only the second player of Rwandan heritage drafted into the NBA.
Ghana also had representation through Jack Kayil, selected 39th overall by the Houston Rockets, while the Central African Republic celebrated Narcisse Ngoy, selected 57th overall by the Atlanta Hawks.
From local courts across Africa to the brightest stage in basketball, the 2026 NBA Draft delivered a powerful message: Africa is no longer only the future of basketball — it is already shaping its present.