Josh Okogie
Josh Okogie (born September 1, 1998) is a Nigerian-American professional basketball player who plays for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Collegiate Career: Okogie played college basketball for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets from 2016 to 2018. As a freshman, he averaged 16.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, earning ACC All-Freshman Team honors. In his sophomore season, he improved to 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, despite missing several games due to injury and suspension. He was named to the Third Team All-ACC. He declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore season, forgoing his final two years of collegiate eligibility. NBA Draft: Josh Okogie was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 20th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. He signed his rookie contract with the Timberwolves on July 6, 2018. Professional Career and News: Okogie quickly established himself as a tenacious defender in the NBA. In his rookie season (2018-2019), he played in 74 games, averaging 7.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He was often praised for his high energy and defensive effort, frequently guarding opposing teams’ best perimeter players. He continued to be a key rotation player for the Timberwolves in subsequent seasons, known for his athleticism and defensive versatility. While his offensive game remained a work in progress, his defensive impact was undeniable. He played for the Timberwolves until the end of the 2021-2022 season. On July 2, 2022, Okogie signed with the Phoenix Suns. With the Suns, he continued to provide valuable defensive intensity and saw his role expand at times, especially when injuries impacted the team’s roster. During the 2022-2023 season, he had several impactful performances, showcasing his ability to hit timely shots and contribute on both ends of the court. He was part of the Suns team that made a deep playoff run in 2023. Personal Data: Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Josh Okogie moved to the United States with his family when he was three years old, settling in Snellville, Georgia. He attended Shiloh High School in Snellville, where he was a highly rated prospect. Okogie comes from a family of athletes; his father, Paul Okogie, played professional soccer in Nigeria. He often speaks about the importance of his Nigerian heritage and his family’s support in his journey. He is known for his strong work ethic and dedication to improving his game.
