D’Tigers head coach David Fizdale don come out say 14 NBA players wey get Nigerian connection don respond with big excitement to im recruitment push, and two of dem don already commit but e go depend on international eligibility. Di former Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks coach, wey dem appoint for May, say di response show di kind talent wey dey for Nigeria as di programme dey target to return to elite competition after dem miss Paris 2024 Olympics.
"I don talk with 14 NBA players wey no dey eligible right now but dem get deep Nigerian connection, and I don get plenty excitement. I don get two promises," Fizdale tok. Im name 2027 FIBA World Cup and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as di two main things wey dey shape im recruitment drive. Nigeria recent qualifying squad don already get NBA guard Josh Okogie together with Chima Moneke, Chimezie Metu, Udoka Azubuike and oda established international players.
Di Olympic target get personal meaning for am. Los Angeles na Fizdale hometown, where im grow up wey di 1984 Games inspire am. "We must make to reach Los Angeles our mission. Na my biggest goal to carry dis team go those Olympics. And no be only to go. I wan win," im tok.
FIBA don confirm say 2027 World Cup go directly qualify seven nations for LA 2028, with more slots dey through Olympic qualifying tournaments. D’Tigers don appear for three Olympics — London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 — but dem never win any Olympic basketball medal.
