Emeka Okafor is considered one of the best basketball players in the NBA. Likewise, in his debut season, he became Rookie of the year. Similarly, Emeka is a splendid player because not everyone gets recognition in just the first season.
Furthermore, Okafor is successful today because of his hard work and passion for his game. However, his father also plays a vital role in making him successful.
Emeka Okafor| Early Life
Emeka Okafor opened his eyes on September 28, 1982, in Houston, Texas. Similarly, he has taken birth to Pius Okafor (father) and Celestina Okafor (mother). Moreover, he is the first person in his family who was born in the United States.
Furthermore, when Emeka was a child, he loved playing basketball. Therefore, his father used to take him to the YMCA to learn basketball.
Similarly, Okafor joined Bartlesville High School and was one of the best basketball players in his school. Furthermore, Emeka joined Connecticut University.
In addition, he began his career at a very early age. On the other hand, Okafor did his graduation with good marks from a university, majored in finance, and scored a 3.8 GPA.
Emeka Okafor| Career
High School Career
Okafor began playing basketball for his high school. Likewise, in his senior season, Emeka scored an average of 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 blocks.
Furthermore, Emeka decided to accept the University of Connecti scholarship.
University of Connecticut Career
Emeka Okafor played in Connecticut for 4 years and also got the Academic All-American title of the year 2004. Although he had a back problem, he led UConn to the program’s second national title in six seasons.
Moreover, Okafor was also awarded as the most outstanding player in the NCAA tournament. Similarly, he also got other awards like National Defensive Player of the Year and Big East Player of the Year.
On the other hand, Okafor became a member of the U.S. National Basketball Team in 2004.
NBA Career and Stats
In 2004, Emeka declared himself eligible to be a part of the NBA. After completing university, he became Bobcat’s first-ever choice for the NBA draft.
Moreover, Okafor was selected in his overall second draft, which made him a star rookie. Though he continuously had a feud with the head coach.
On the other hand, Emeka ended the season with 93-92 (consecutive game played- consecutive game started).
2009-2017
In the year 2011, Okafor played his first-ever series of NBA seasons. Similarly, in the year 2012, he was drafted by Washington Lizards. Emaka received the TeamMate of tTeamMateward for his contribution to the team.
Though he suffered from a neck injury in the year 2013. Therefore, he missed the entire season due to the injury. Similarly, Emaka couldn’t play 3 seasons due to injury and it affected his career to some extent.
However, in 2017, he recovered from the injury, and the Philadelphia 76ers draft him and he was waived by the 76ers. In the year 2018, Okafor returned to New Orleans and scored three points and two rebounds in just 9 minutes of entering the game.
Furthermore, in the year 2019, he was drafted to Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus. Likewise, Emeka ended the season with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks in a 60-65 loss to Anyang KGC.
Because of his injuries, doctors warned him not to play basketball for a long time and insisted he rests.
Emeka Okafor| Age, Height & Body Measurement
Emeka is currently 38 years old and is an American by nationality. Similarly, he has black eyes along with black hair. Okafor’s zodiac sign happens to be Libra.
Likewise, Okafor has accumulated a height of 6ft. 10 inches. Furthermore, he has acquired a weight of 114kg. In addition, Emeka has maintained a good physique and is healthy.
Emeka Oakfor| Net Worth & Salary
Okafor has an estimated net worth of $30 million. However, according to other sources, his net worth is $60 million.
Similarly, Emeka’s salary in the year 2010 was $10,400,000, and in 2014,it rises to $14,400,000.
Furthermore, he currently resides in a luxurious house with his wife and kids. On the other hand, Emeka loves cars and has a wide variety of car collections.
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Emeka Okafor| Personal Life
Emeka got married to his girlfriend, Ilana Nunna Okafor. Likewise, the rumors of these two datings began in the year 2012. Similarly, they both are blessed with kids.

Furthermore, this couple tied a knot in Hutson, Texas. Moreover, they gave birth to their first child in 2013. Similarly, Emeka is a very supportive husband and they both are there for each other every time.
Coach Jin Calhoun speaking about Emeka and Caron Butler
Jim Calhoun apologizes to a newspaper columnist, Dave Solomon of the New Haven Register. Similarly, it was just after two days when he was asked about the recruitment.
Similarly, he stated, “I took Emeka Okafor and Caron Butler. They’re not bad! I can’t get everyone!” in a harsh voice which was really not welcoming. This was just the focal gist of the response that Calhoun gave. We don’t understand the reason to be fired, but he said, “ I can’t take every player. We have 13 scholarships.”
However, Jin apologized after realizing that he was wrong, and he should not have done that in front of his peers.
Social Media Profile
Emeka only uses Twitter and has 19.6k followers.
Some FAQs
Is Okafor a Hall of Famer?
No, Okafor isn’t a Hall of Famer.
How old is Emeka?
Currently, Emeka is 38 years old.
When did he make his NBA debut?
In the year 2004, he made his NBA debut.
What does Okafor mean?
Okafor meaning is “born on Afro” Igbo tribe.
Quick Facts
Name | Chukwuemeka Ndubuisi “Emeka” Okafor |
Birthdate | September 28, 1982 |
Birthplace | Houston, Texas, United States |
Age | 39 Years Old |
Nationality | American |
Religion | Unknown |
Ethnicity | Balck |
Horoscope | Libra |
Father’s Name | Pius Okafor |
Mother’s Name | Celestina Okafor |
Sibling’s Name | one sister (Nneka Okafor) |
Cousin’s Name | A distant cousin of Jahlil Okafor |
Education | Bellaire High School, University of Connecticut |
Height | 6 ft. 10 inch |
Weight | 114 kg |
Eye color | Black |
Hair color | Balck |
Body Measurement | Unknown |
Net Worth | $30 million |
Career GP | 52 |
NBA Debut | 2004 |
Position | Center/ Power forward |
Residence | Houston, Texas |
Profession | Basketball Player |
Affiliation | NBA |
Kids | 2 |
Salary | 2014- 14,400,000, 2010- 10,400,000 |
Marital Status | Married |
Wife | Ilana Nunn Okafor |
Player for | Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus |
Merch | Autograph, Jersey, and Rookie Card |
Achievement | NBA Rookie of the Year (2005) NBA, All-Rookie first team (2005), 2 times First-Team All-Big East, NCAA block leader (2003), Four most outstanding players (2004), 2 times NABC defensive player of the year |
NBA draft | 2004/ Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall by Charlotte Bobcats |
Social media | |
Last Update | April 2022 |
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