Houston’s Josh Okogie is the breakout player to watch. He is now at the helm of Nigeria’s D’Tigers, as they open up their quest in the group stage of the 2023 AfroBasket tournament in Angola. At just 25 years old, Okogie stands out as the only player from the NBA in the D’Tigers squad, bringing his experience and skills to the forefront as Nigeria aims to secure a second men’s AfroBasket title.
Okogie is best remembered for his dogged full-court perimeter defense and frenetic pace. At the same time, he’s cemented his place as an important figure for the Nigerian national team. His summer showings, especially at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, made him a star. He finished as Nigeria’s team leader in scoring (12.6 ppg) and assists (4.4 apg). These numbers underscore Georgie’s unique two-way talent to make a big impact on both sides of the ball.
The D’Tigers tipped off their AfroBasket campaign versus Madagascar on August 13. Okogie is co-captain along with Stan Okoye and Ike Nwamu. His leadership will continue to be a driving force the rest of the tournament. He’ll captain Nigeria’s u-23 side in their Olympic qualifying semifinal against Tunisia on August 15. Next up, he’ll play Cameroon in the third group match on August 17.
As one of the veterans in the doghouse, Okogie provides floor spacing, defensive presence, and leadership experience. Along with other experienced players including Stan Okoye and Ike Nwamu, his inclusion bolsters the team’s overall depth. The trio’s leadership will be crucial as they guide younger teammates who are either making their debut or returning to the AfroBasket tournament.
To get ready for the tournament, the Nigerian team faced Guinea in two friendly matches. These type of games were enormous in Okogie and his teammates’ games by enabling them to hone their strategies and focus on their chemistry before their competitive leadoff games.
With Okogie continuing to set the tone, the D’Tigers will be looking to take advantage of where they thrive, building on their performances so far. His high-energy style of play not only energizes his teammates but excites fans who are eager to see Nigeria reclaim its status in African basketball.
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