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18-year-old Emmanuel Eberechukwu Okorafor will continue his development with the college basketball side Louisville Cardinals
Nigerian basketball prospect Emmanuel Eberechukwu Okorafor has joined the Louisville men's basketball program.
Okorafor a native of Lagos, Nigeria joins the Louisville Cardinal in midseason for the 2022/23 campaign.
The 18-year-old has joined the team and will be immediately eligible to play for the Cardinals.
Emmanuel Okorafor joins Louisville Cardinals
Okorafor's move to the Louisville Cardinals was confirmed through a message by the official NBA Academy social media platforms.
The message on Okorafor's departure by the NBA Academy said, "Big man is moving on to the next level! @nigerian.freak34 from the #NBAAcademyAfrica is taking his skills and talent to @louisvillembb."
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The Louisville men's basketball team then confirmed the arrival of Okorafor with a photo on their official Instagram account.
Along with the photo was a message that said, "We've got a new member of #TheFamily, joining us immediately... Welcome to The Ville @nigerian.freak34!"
Kenny Payne Head Coach of the Louisville Cardinals issued a statement on the acquisition of Okorafor from the NBA Academy.
Payne said, “We’re fortunate to have one of the premier players coming out of NBA Africa be a part of what we’re doing here at the University of Louisville.
“Emmanuel is one of the bright stars coming out of NBA Africa. He’s versatile, strong, a great rebounder and excellent running the floor. We’re blessed to have him.
"The global impact of what NBA Africa is doing – to go out and target the young, bright stars of the continent of Africa and bring them into their facility – is vital not only to the continent, but to the world. It’s great for our program to be connected to the work they’re doing.”
Okorafor follows the footsteps of Nigeria's senior men's team basketball star Jordan Nwora in playing for the Louisville Cardinals.
Nwora played for three seasons with the Louisville Cardinals and then declared for the NBA Draft where he was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Okorafor is expected to make his debut for the Louisville Cardinals in their next game at Boston College scheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
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