Onyeka Okongwu

Okongwu is an American center who entered the NBA as a lottery pick in 2020 and has developed into a reliable rotation big for the Atlanta Hawks. Known for his defensive instincts, shot-blocking, and finishing ability around the rim, he has anchored the Hawks' second unit while continuing to refine his offensive game.

Born on December 11, 2000, in Los Angeles, California, Okongwu attended Chino Hills High School, where he played alongside Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball. As a freshman, he helped his team win the CIF Open Division state title and achieve a 35-0 record. As a junior, he averaged 28 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks per game and earned California Mr. Basketball honors. As a senior, he averaged 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks and repeated as California Mr. Basketball, becoming only the fifth player to do so. He was considered a five-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals.

Okongwu committed to USC over UCLA and Arizona State. In his collegiate debut on November 5, 2019, he recorded 20 points, 13 rebounds, and a school-record eight blocks against Florida A&M. On November 19, he scored a career-high 33 points against Pepperdine. He averaged 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game and was named to the first-team All-Pac-12. He declared for the 2020 NBA draft.

The Atlanta Hawks selected Okongwu with the sixth overall pick in 2020. He missed the start of his rookie season due to foot surgery but gradually worked his way into the rotation. He has been a key backup center for the Hawks, providing rim protection, rebounding, and lob finishing.

Okongwu is a mobile center with elite shot-blocking timing, rebounding instincts, and finishing ability around the rim. He scores primarily on lobs, putbacks, and rolls to the basket. Defensively, his length and lateral mobility allow him to protect the paint and switch onto perimeter players. His development focus centers on expanding his offensive game and improving his free-throw shooting.