Tobi Lawal Targets NBA Glory After Dallas Mavericks Draft Selection as Six Nigerians Make History
British-Nigerian forward Tobi Lawal has vowed to work tirelessly after being selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2026 NBA Draft, describing the opportunity as the first step toward fulfilling his dream of becoming one of the game’s elite players.
The 23-year-old was taken with the 48th overall pick in the second round following an outstanding collegiate career at Virginia Tech, where he established himself as a key starter over two seasons.
Lawal’s journey to the NBA is an inspiring one. Standing at 6ft 8in, he only began playing competitive basketball at the age of 16 while attending the City of London Academy.
He later moved from south London to Maine for high school before continuing his development at Virginia Commonwealth University and eventually Virginia Tech.
Although regarded as a long-term developmental prospect, Lawal is confident his best basketball is still ahead of him.
“I hope this provides inspiration to young kids that anything is possible,” Lawal said.
“I’m only scratching the surface of what I can become and how good I can be. I believe I can become as great as I want to be.”
Speaking about the improved facilities now available to him, he added:
“In London it was difficult to get into the gym. Now the gym is right next to my house. I love being in the gym. I love growing as a person, in my faith and as a player. I’m going to live there.”
Lawal becomes the latest graduate of Great Britain’s Under-19 development pathway to reach the NBA, following Jeremy Sochan and Amari Williams.
Six Nigerians Selected in Historic NBA Draft
Lawal’s selection also highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in global basketball, with six players of Nigerian heritage chosen in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The six are:
Ebuka Okorie
Felix Okpara
Tobi Lawal
Otega Oweh
Zuby Ejiofor
Ugonna Onyenso
The impressive haul underscores Nigeria’s continued emergence as one of the world’s leading producers of elite basketball talent.
2026 NBA Draft Highlights
The Washington Wizards used the No. 1 overall pick to select standout forward AJ Dybantsa after an exceptional college season in which he averaged 25.5 points per game.
The Utah Jazz selected point guard Darryn Peterson with the second overall pick, while the Memphis Grizzlies chose Duke star Cam Boozer at No. 3.
Memphis also made history by selecting Karim Lopez, making him the first Mexican-born player ever chosen in the first round of the NBA Draft.
