Meet Oso Ighodaro, Jonathan Mogbo & Adem Bona the 3 Nigerians selected in the 2024 NBA Draft

Every year, teams choose talented young college players to enter their professional ranks through the NBA Draft.

Three players who are Nigerian-born or -descended made a strong showing in this year's draft, earning slots in the second round.

Nigeria has a long history producing NBA prospects, which is carried over into this year's draft.

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Oso Ighodaro, a 6'8′′ forward out of Marquette University, 40th overall, but traded him to the Phoenix Suns.

Throughout his time in college, Ighodaro made steady progress, which paid off in his stellar senior year, when he averaged 13.4 points and 4.3 rebounds.

He is regarded as a defensive specialist who will make an instant impact.

Six foot ten center Adem Bona was selected 41st overall by the Philadelphia 76ers from UCLA.

Nigerian-born Bona started playing basketball in Turkey. In college, he was a defensive whiz and was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

He is an interesting potential for the 76ers because of his stature and defensive presence.

The Toronto Raptors selected 6'10" forward Jonathan Mogbo with the 31st overall pick.

During his college career, Mogbo attended a number of universities, but it was at the University of San Francisco that he truly excelled, averaging a double-double in both points and rebounds.

According to the NBA, his size, athleticism, and passing skills make him a significant asset for the Raptors.