Obinna Ekezie

Obinna Ralph Ekezie (born August 22, 1975) is a Nigerian former professional basketball player who played in the NBA and other leagues. His name, Obinna, means "Father's heart". He is a direct descendant of the 19th century Igbo warrior and businessman Duruike Akubugali, hence hails from Obor Autonomous Community in Orlu Urban Local Government Area of Imo State.[1]

Obinna Ekezie
Personal information
Born (1975-08-22) August 22, 1975
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
NationalityNigerian / American
Listed height6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight268 lb (122 kg)
Career information
High schoolWorcester Academy
(Worcester, Massachusetts)
CollegeMaryland (1995–1999)
NBA draft1999 / Round: 2 / Pick: 37th overall
Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies
Playing career1999–2007
PositionCenter
Career history
1999–2000Vancouver Grizzlies
2000–2001Washington Wizards
2001Dallas Mavericks
2001–2002Los Angeles Clippers
2002–2003Red Star Belgrade
2004–2005Columbus Riverdragons
2005Atlanta Hawks
2006Virtus Roma
2006–2007Dynamo Moscow

Career

A 6'9" 270 lb center, Ekezie was selected with the 37th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies after playing with the Maryland Terrapins from 1995–1999. Obinna prepared for college at Worcester Academy, graduating in 1995.

Ekezie played for five NBA teams (1999–2005), and also professionally with Red Star Belgrade (Serbia), Lottomatica Roma (Italy),[2] and Dynamo Moscow.[2] Ekezie was invited to Atlanta Hawks training camp where he was a leading scorer averaging 11.8 points on 48.8 field goal percentage. Ekezie then suffered a anterior cruciate ligament injury on October 13, 2005 in a exhibition game after landing awkwardly.[3]

Ekezie is the founder of ZeepTravel and Wakanow, online businesses allowing travel services for those going to and from America and Africa.

Notes
  1. Meaning of Obinna in Nigerian.name
  2. Dynamo tabs big man Ekezie, November 29, 2006
  3. "Ekezie out indefinitely with knee injury". UPI. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
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