Isaac Okoro

Isaac Okoro is a professional basketball player who was born on January 26, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia, to parents of Nigerian ancestry. He currently plays as a small forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the National Basketball Association (NBA), weighing 225 pounds (102 kg), and stands at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m).

Okoro’s early athletic life was rooted in his hometown where he attended McEachern High School, playing four years of basketball and finding himself in the national spotlight during his senior season. Through his efforts he aided his team in securing the state championship. He received five-star recruitment accolades from Rivals and the four-star recruitment rating by ESPN and 247Sports.

Sharing a close relationship with his parents, Godwin and Gloria, Okoro’s strong ties to his Nigerian heritage played a vital role in shaping his life and career. Godwin Okoro, his father, emigrated from Nigeria in the 1980s, and Gloria, his mother, also holds Nigerian roots. Basketball for young Isaac started at his local church league before receiving coaching from Omar Cooper, father to his future high school teammate, Sharife Cooper, during his early teenage years.

While attending McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, Okoro performed remarkably. During his freshman year, he averaged 15 points and eight rebounds per game, propelling his former team to the regional championship and towards the Georgia High School Association Class 7A state quarter-finals. His sophomore season saw an increase in his average points per game (22.5), leading his side to their second straight regional championship and a semi-final appearance for the Class 7A state.

Through the years at McEachern High School, Okoro’s performances consistently strengthened. His junior year found him averaging 20.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, ensuring another state quarter-finals appearance for his team. His contributions earned him a spot on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Class 7A All-State first team and the USA Today All-USA Georgia first team as well.

In his senior season, the small forward averaged 19.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, a testament to his growing skills and influence on the court. He led his team to secure titles at the City of Palms Classic and the Tournament of Champions and helped McEachern end the regular season with a flawless 32–0 record, gaining them national recognition. This impressive performance earned Okoro the Atlanta Journal-Constitution state’s most valuable player recognition (shared with teammate Sharife Cooper), further cementing his status as a budding player to watch. Okoro’s performances throughout his high school career also led to him being called upon for the Nike Hoop Summit, an international all-star game.

Simultaneously, Okoro was making strides internationally. He represented the United States at the 2018 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in Argentina, scoring an average of 4.3 points in seven games and contributing to his team’s gold medal victory.

Flushed with offers from colleges across the nation, Okoro, by then considered a five-star recruit by Rivals and a four-star recruit by ESPN and 247Sports, committed to Auburn on July 25, 2018, where he was the second-highest-ranked commit in the history of the program.

Scoring 12 points in his Auburn debut, he followed up with 17 points in their victory over Davidson. After an impressive regular season, he was recognized with placement on the All-SEC Second Team, the SEC All-Freshman Team, and the SEC All-Defensive Team by the league’s coaches. At the end of his freshman season (scoring an average of 12.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and two assists per game), Okoro announced his intent to enter the 2020 NBA draft.

The next phase of Okoro’s basketball career began when he was selected as the fifth overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2020 NBA draft. His NBA debut saw him record 11 points, five assists, and three rebounds in a win over the Charlotte Hornets, followed by a career-high of 32 points in an overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns. Two years into his professional career, Okoro achieved a notable victory over the Brooklyn Nets, scoring a pivotal three-pointer to give the Cavaliers a 116–114 win.

With determination and sharp skills, Isaac Okoro stands as a beacon of excellence in his journey through high school, college, the national team, and now the NBA. He is a celebrated athlete in his past careers and continues to establish himself as a commendable player in the league. Okoro’s journey demonstrates an individual’s capability to carve a well-regarded professional path with a passion for a sport while holding steadfast to his roots.