Toby Okani

Okani is an American forward who reached the NBA through a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in April 2026 after a winding college career that included stops at Duquesne, UIC, and West Virginia. He played for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League before earning his NBA opportunity.

Born Tochukwu Okani on October 5, 2001, he spent two seasons at Duquesne before transferring to UIC. As a senior at UIC, he averaged 11.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game and was named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Defensive Team. After UIC fired coach Luke Yaklich, Okani entered the transfer portal.

In his sole season at West Virginia, Okani averaged 8.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. After his college career, he played for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League, averaging 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds over 13 games.

On April 3, 2026, Okani signed a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. He made his NBA debut on the same day, scoring seven points and collecting seven rebounds in 28 minutes of action.

Okani functions as a defensive-oriented forward with shot-blocking timing, rebounding instincts, and the size to guard multiple positions. His MVC All-Defensive Team honor at UIC reflects his primary value on the court. In the NBA, his brief appearance with Memphis represents an opportunity to prove himself as a defensive specialist in limited rotational minutes.