Nigeria have announced a 16-man training camp roster in advance of a trio of exhibition games in Las Vegas, where D’Tigers will face the United States on Saturday, Argentina on Monday, and Australia on Tuesday. The 16-man roster features eight active NBA players, namely Precious Achiuwa (Miami Heat), Chimezie Metu (Sacramento Kings), Jordan Nwora (Milwaukee Bucks), Jahlil Okafor (Detroit Pistons), Josh Okogie (Minnesota Timberwolves), KZ Okpala (Heat), Miye Oni (Utah Jazz) and Gabe Vincent (Heat). Additionally, Michael Gbinije and Ekpe Udoh also have experience in the NBA.
KZ Okpala Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: F
Born: 04/28/99
Height: 6-8 / 2.03
Weight:215 lbs. / 97.5 kg.
Salary: $1,517,981
Born: 04/28/99
Height: 6-8 / 2.03
Weight:215 lbs. / 97.5 kg.
Salary: $1,517,981
Ira Winderman: Nigerian Olympic coach Mike Brown, the Warriors, assistant, “KZ [Okpala] is a remarkable talent . . . He has a chance to be, obviously, an elite defender.” Says he could be an eventual contender of Defensive Player Of the Year. “His upside is tremendous.”
Also included in the list are Miye Oni (Utah Jazz), OG Anunoby (Toronto Raptors), KZ Okpala (Miami Heat), Precious Achiuwa (Miami Heat), Udoka Azubuike (Utah Jazz), Jahlil Okafor (Detroit Pistons). Others are Josh Okogie (Minnesota Timberwolves), Gabe Vincent (Miami Heat), Al-Farouq Aminu (Chicago Bulls), Jordan Nwora (Milwaukee Bucks) and Chimezie Metu (Sacramento Kings).
As many as three Heat players — Gabe Vincent, Precious Achiuwa and KZ Okpala — are serious candidates to play for Nigeria in these Olympics, and it’s possible that most if not the entire Nigerian roster for Tokyo has NBA experience. “I’m just looking forward to having the next opportunity to hopefully go represent the country and represent the nation moving forward in the Olympics,” Vincent said. “Mike Brown has definitely been in contact. He’s been great reaching out to guys, communicating well and we’re all looking forward to it and excited.”
Ira Winderman: Per Heat: KZ Okpala (health and safety protocols) is available to play tonight vs the Suns.
Casey Holdahl: Heat injury report: Gabe Vincent (right knee; soreness) is probable; Tyler Herro (right foot; soreness) is questionable; Victor Oladipo (right knee; soreness) and KZ Okpala (health and safety protocols) are out.
Ira Winderman: Everyone but Victor Oladipo (knee) is traveling with the Heat for their four-game trip that opens Sunday in Portland. That includes KZ Okpala, who had been in NBA health-and-safety protocols.
