Onyeka Okongwu

Player Information

Onyeka Okongwu is an American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the USC Trojans. Okongwu was a four-year starter at Chino Hills High School in California, playing alongside the Ball brothers. He earned back-to-back California Mr. Basketball honors at Chino Hills and established himself as a highly regarded prospect during his college tenure at USC, where he was named to the first-team All-Pac-12.
Full Name :
Onyeka Okongwu
Birthdate :
11 December 2000
Birthplace :
Los Angeles, California, USA
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
208
Weight (kg) :
109
Nationality :
United States
Parents :
Mike Okongwu (Father), Kate Okongwu (Mother)
Education :
Chino Hills (High School), USC (College)
Career Started :
2020
Notable Achievements :
First-team All-Pac-12 (2020), California Mr. Basketball (2018, 2019)
Current Team :
Atlanta Hawks
Drafted :
2020
Drafted by :
Atlanta Hawks
Active Status :
From - 2020, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2023 to 2027, Salary $62,000,000 USD

Biography

Onyeka Okongwu is an emerging star in the NBA, drafted 6th in total by the Atlanta Hawks in 2020. He made a notable impact during his time at the University of Southern California, where he set records and earned prestigious honors. In the 2023-24 season, he averages 25.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, highlighting his offensive and defensive skills. His success extends beyond the court, as his growing net worth reflects his talent and endorsement opportunities. Uncover more about his voyage and achievements.

Early Life

Onyeka Okongwu, a talented basketball player, displayed his skills from a young age. During his childhood, he developed a passion for the sport, which led him to attend Chino Hills High School.

There, he gained noteworthy attention for his exceptional basketball talent, playing alongside notable teammates who contributed to a competitive environment. His impressive performances on the court set the stage for his future success.

Following high school, Okongwu continued to excel in basketball at the University of Southern California (USC), where he had a standout rookie season, averaging 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, and setting a Trojan freshman record with 76 blocks.

His achievements earned him a spot on the inaugural team All-Pac-12 and the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, highlighting his remarkable path in the sport.

Family Life

Onyeka Okongwu comes from a close-knit family that includes his siblings Chukwuemeka and Chinemya.

He carries the memory of his late brother Nnamdi, who was a promising high school basketball player, by wearing jersey number 21 during his games.

This tribute reflects the strong athletic legacy within the Okongwu family, especially considering Nnamdi’s remarkable achievements before his tragic passing in 2014.

The family’s commitment to sports has greatly influenced Onyeka’s path in basketball.

Career

Onyeka Okongwu was selected 6th in total by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2020 NBA Draft and has quickly established himself as an essential player for the team.

In the 2023-24 season, he is demonstrating his skills with impressive averages of 25.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. His contributions have been noteworthy, with a career total of 6,911 points across 307 games, highlighting his importance to the Hawks’ success.

On October 23, 2023, Okongwu secured his future with the Hawks by signing a multi-year contract extension, ensuring his presence on the team through the 2026-27 season.

His versatility is apparent in his career averages, including 2.3 assists per game and a remarkable field goal percentage of 56.7%.

Net Worth

Onyeka Okongwu’s estimated net worth is approximately $26.4 million, primarily derived from his NBA contracts and endorsements.

Throughout his career, he has drawn notable salaries, including $4.6 million for the 2020-21 season, $4.9 million for the 2021-22 season, $5.3 million for the 2022-23 season, $14 million for the 2024-25 season, and $15 million for the 2025-26 season.

This financial success reflects his status as a top-round draft pick and his contributions on the court.

Okongwu’s impressive performance metrics, with an average of 13.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, boost his marketability and potential endorsement deals.

His performance in playoffs and regular seasons is likely to further impact his future earning potential as he continues to develop as a key player for the Hawks.