Udoka makes history, becomes first-ever Nigerian NBA coach

Former Nigerian International Ime Udoka has made history after he was officially announced by the Boston Celtics as their Head Coach from the 2021/22 NBA season. The 43-year-old becomes the first Nigerian to coach a team in the NBA after his appointment.

Udoka, who was born in Portland, played in the NBA for seven years with the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. He also won bronze medals playing for Nigeria in the 2005 and 2011 Afrobasket. Udoka has spent the last nine years as an assistant coach in the NBA, working with the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and most recently, the Brooklyn Nets. He also served as assistant coach for the US men’s basketball team in 2018 under Gregg Popovich.

Udoka is the 18th coach in the Boston Celtics Franchise history, and they will be looking at him to bring his diverse and well-honed skillset to the team when he takes over next season.