O.G. Anunoby

O.G. Anunoby's Biography

Ogugua “OG” Anunoby Jr., a British-Nigerian basketball player, has made an unforgettable mark on the American professional basketball scene. Born on 17 July 1997 in London, England to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent, OG’s journey to NBA greatness is a testament to both his talent and tenacity.

Anunoby’s childhood was fraught with hardship at a very early age. Tragedy struck when he was only a year old and his mother succumbed to cancer. A few years later, at the tender age of four, he relocated with his family to the United States, where they settled in Jefferson City, Missouri. Despite the culture shock and the ensuing homesickness, Anunoby adapted well to his new home and found solace in sport.

His deeper interest in basketball was largely influenced by his height. Although Anunoby played football when he was young, he chose to concentrate more on basketball around the age of eight. His dedication to the sport eventually led him to play at Jefferson City High School. Anunoby’s senior season saw him averaging 19.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, earning him a nomination for Mr. Basketball in the state of Missouri. Such accolades didn’t go unnoticed, eventually opening doors for him to hone his skills at Indiana University.

Anunoby’s stint at Indiana Hoosiers began in 2015. Throughout his freshman year, he appeared in 34 games, averaging 6.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game. Tragically, in 2017, Anunoby injured his right knee in a game against Penn State, effectively ending his season. But rather than succumbing to despair, Anunoby made the decision to enter the 2017 NBA draft, marking the end of his time with the Hoosiers.

His entrance into professional basketball came when he was selected as the 23rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. He quickly proved his worth by leading starter rookies in offensive and defensive rating, exhibiting true shooting abilities. His exceptional skills eventually led him to be a part of the World Team for the United Kingdom in the 2019 Rising Stars Challenge.

No stranger to overcoming obstacles, Anunoby faced a significant hurdle when an appendectomy robbed him of most of the Raptors’ championship playoff run. Despite not playing in the finals, he was part of the historic win as the Raptors became NBA Champions in 2019. By doing so, Anunoby solidified his spot as the first British player to win an NBA championship.

Professionals are only as capable as they are resilient. In 2020, despite suffering a loss against the Denver Nuggets, Anunoby made an exceptional performance with 32 points, seven steals, seven rebounds, and three assists. His perseverance was subsequently rewarded with an impressive four-year, $72 million extension through to the 2024–25 season.

Anunoby’s record-breaking career didn’t stop there. He scored a career-high 36 points, along with 6 rebounds and 2 assists in a match against the Knicks. However, injuries didn’t discriminate, and a right finger fracture in 2022 required Anunoby to be out for two weeks.

After his recovery, Anunoby didn’t miss a beat and quickly returned to his exceptional form, smashing a season-high 32 points during a win against the Miami Heat. He reached yet another milestone during the 2022–23 season when he led the NBA in steals, becoming the first player from both the Raptors and Britain to accomplish such a feat.

In 2023, Anunoby was traded to the New York Knicks but still managed to impress with exceptional skills. His commendable performances solidified his reputation as one of the best British players in the NBA. Health setbacks like a right elbow surgery didn’t deter him.

Anunoby’s influence extends beyond the court. With the goal to inspire children in Great Britain to take up the sport, he demonstrated through his success that making it to the NBA from Britain is feasible. In addition to being an influencer, he also became a minority stakeholder of the London Lions in 2023, showcasing a passion for the development of the sport in his home country. In the midst of rigorous schedules and intense gameplay, Anunoby has remained steadfast, navigating through adversities and emerging victorious. His journey continues to inspire basketball enthusiasts worldwide.