NBA star, Ochefu set to debut for D’Tigers

Nigeria’s bid to retain the FIBA Afrobasket Championship men’s title has received a boost following the decision of NBA star, Daniel Ochefu to play for the D’Tigers.

The 2017 FIBA Afrobasket Championship will be co-hosted by Tunisia and Senegal from September 8 to 16 September and Ochefu, who has been in top form for his club, Washington Wizards, has indicated his intention of joining the Nigerian squad in camp on Friday.

The 23-year-old started his career at Westtown School before finishing his studies at Downing Town East high School, where he averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds per game as a junior. 

He went ahead to play college basketball for Villanova and led his team to win the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Championship. After a renowned career in the dunking game, he signed a three-year deal with the Wizards.

Ochefu and his counterparts in  D’Tigers team have promised  to  successfully defend the AfroBasket title  next month.
“It’s a privilege to be invited to this great Nigerian national team and also to represent my fatherland. I look forward to playing and making the nation proud by winning the tournament”, said the 6ft 11 power forward. The NBA star  has received several accolades, including the Villanova Basketball “Attitude” award for the second time at the 2016 Awards Ceremony.

D’ Tigers have been drawn alongside Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Democratic Republic of Congo in Group A of the 2017 Men’s AfroBasket Championship.