Onyeka Okongwu is an American center/power forward who is signed with the Atlanta Hawks. He is known for his unique blend of athleticism and ball-handling skills, a rare combination for forwards of his size.
Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Okongwu rose to prominence at Chino Hills High School, where he played alongside the famous "Ball Brothers" and gained attention due to his viral highlights. He led Chino Hills to multiple state championships and won several prestigious accolades, including MaxPreps co-National Freshman of the Year and consecutive California Mr. Basketball honors.
For college, Okongwu starred for the USC Trojans, averaging a terrific 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. He earned First Team All-Pac-12 recognition in his one-and-done season with the Trojans.
The Atlanta Hawks drafted Okongwu with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He plays as the backup big behind Clint Capela and has continuously shown development in recent seasons. He was recently awarded with a hefty $62 million contract stretching over four years.
Who are Onyeka Okongwu’s parents?
Onyeka Okongwu's parents are Kate and Mike Okongwu. His parents separated during his early teenage years, leading to a significant impact on his family dynamics growing up.
He also has a brother Chukwuemeka and a sister Chinemya. Tragically, his older brother named Nnamdi, who played for Chino Hills passed away after a skateboarding accident in 2014. Onyeka honored his older brother by attending Chino Hills and wearing the same No. 21 jersey.
Who is Onyeka Okongwu’ mother?
Kate Okongwu is the mother of Onyeka Okongwu. The only known information about her is that she is a registered nurse. After the divorce with Mike, Kate raised her children in Los Angeles.
Who is Onyeka Okongwu’ Father?
Onyeka Okongwu’s father is Mike Okongwu.
Originally from Nigeria, Mike moved to the United States with his wife in 1999 and settled in Los Angeles, where Onyeka Okongwu was born in 2000. Mike worked as a registered nurse for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and displayed a selfless commitment to his family despite facing personal health struggles.
Raised alongside his brothers in California, at first, Onyeka had a strained relationship with his father following his parents' divorce. Despite this, he and his father bonded over basketball and life discussions when he was playing at USC. However, Onyeka regrets that his father never attended his games during his college years, speculating that it may have been due to his father's illness.
The last game Mike witnessed in person was during Onyeka's senior season in high school. Okongwu fondly recalls receiving texts from his father after his televised games.
Tragically, due to an illness, Mike Okongwu passed away in December 2021. Onyeka wishes he had spent more time with his father and regrets not fully realizing the severity of his father's condition.
;'/></svg>)
FAQs on Onyeka Okongwu Parents
A. Mike Okongwu and Kate Okongwu are the parents of Onyeka Okongwu.
A. Onyeka Okongwu signed a four-year $62 million contract extension with the Hawks in October 2023.
A. Onyeka Okongwu was drafted sixth overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2020 NBA Draft.
A. Onyeka Okongwu played collegiate basketball for University of Southern California.
A. Onyeka Okongwu wears jersey #17 for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA.
