(CNN Philippines, November 23) — Bright Akhuetie is among the players that were named to the Nigerian national team pool set to compete in the 2023 FIBA World Cup African qualifiers.
The big man joins former NBA players Ike Diogu and Ben Uzoh in the pool.
Akhuetie last saw hardcourt action in the Philippines where he played for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the UAAP, helping the Diliman-based squad secure the second seed in Season 82.
Prior to that year, Akhuetie — the UAAP Season 81 Most Valuable Player — and the Fighting Maroons ended a 32-year finals dry spell in the men’s seniors basketball tournament. They were swept by defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles in the best-of-three championship series.
With an average height of 6-foot-7 and average age of 27, Nigeria will be mentored by Julius Nwosu who once steered Red Bull to the 2002 PBA Commissioner’s Cup title.
Nigeria, part of Group A, will begin its African qualifiers campaign against Cape Verde on November 26.
Five slots are up for grabs in the African qualifiers. The 2023 FIBA World Cup will be co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
