Ime Udoka
Encyclopedia
Ime Sunday Udoka is a Nigeria
n-American
professional basketball
player who last played for the San Antonio Spurs
of the NBA. He plays internationally with the Nigeria national basketball team
.
Udoka, a small forward
, attended Portland's Jefferson High School
, and the University of San Francisco
, before transferring to Portland State University
where he starred for the Vikings
. He started his professional basketball career by playing in the NBDL
with the Charleston Lowgators who drafted him with 39th overall pick in 2002 NBDL
Draft. He was called up to play with the Los Angeles Lakers
on January 14, 2004, but was later waived. After a stint in Europe, he returned to the states and once again drafted in NBDL. This time he was drafted 3rd overall by Fort Worth Flyers
in 2005 NBDL Draft. He averaged 17.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game with the Flyers. On April 6, 2006, Udoka was signed by the New York Knicks
. Udoka was waived by the Knicks on September 11, 2006.
Udoka was the last player invited to his hometown Portland Trail Blazers
training camp before the 2006–07 season, getting the invite only after Aaron Miles
failed a physical
. Despite the death of his father during the preseason, Udoka impressed the coaching staff with his defense and professionalism, and improbably, made the team. After having played in only 12 NBA games in his career, Udoka started in 75 games played in the 2006–07 season. He played 28.6 minutes per game while averaging 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals.
Though American-born, Udoka's father of Ibibio
descent, was born in Nigeria
, which qualified him as a member of the Nigerian basketball squad
, for whom he played at the 2006 FIBA World Championship
s. His older sister Mfon
used to play in the WNBA. His mother is American.
In 2007, Udoka signed a contract with the San Antonio Spurs
. Following the 2009 season, Udoka became a free agent, eventually re-signing with the Trail Blazers. He was waived by the Blazers on October 22, 2009.
On November 4, 2009, Udoka signed with the Sacramento Kings
.
On November 24, 2010, Udoka rejoined the San Antonio Spurs
, but he was waived on January 5, 2011.
| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | L.A. Lakers
| 4 || 0 || 7.0 || .333 || .000 || .500 || 1.3 || .5 || .5 || .2 || 2.0
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | New York
| 8 || 0 || 14.3 || .375 || .333 || .500 || 2.1 || .8 || .1 || .0 || 2.8
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Portland
| 75 || 75 || 28.6 || .461 || .406 || .742 || 3.7 || 1.5 || .9 || .2 || 8.4
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 73 || 0 || 18.0 || .424 || .370 || .759 || 3.1 || .9 || .8 || .2 || 5.8
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 67 || 3 || 15.4 || .383 || .328 || .609 || 2.8 || .8 || .5 || .2 || 4.3
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 69 || 2 || 15.4 || .378 || .286 || .737 || 2.8 || .8 || .5 || .1 || 3.6
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 296 || 80 || 13.7 || .420 || .361 || .712 || 3.1 || 1.0 || .7 || .2 || 5.5
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 16 || 0 || 14.8 || .465 || .400 || .714 || 2.9 || 1.1 || .7 || .1 || 5.4
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 5 || 0 || 20.8 || .350 || .125 || .400 || 4.6 || .8 || .8 || .2 || 3.4
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 21 || 0 || 16.2 || .440 || .354 || .583 || 3.3 || 1.0 || .7 || .1 || 5.0
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
n-American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player who last played for the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
of the NBA. He plays internationally with the Nigeria national basketball team
Nigeria national basketball team
The Nigeria national basketball team is the national team of Nigeria and is generally considered one of the best in Africa along with Angola and Senegal. They are ranked 21st in the world FIBA rankings....
.
Udoka, a small forward
Small forward
The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
, attended Portland's Jefferson High School
Jefferson High School (Oregon)
-History:Jefferson opened in September 1908, and received its name at some later date. The school wasn't ready in 1908, but was opened early due to overcrowding. It was finished on February 6, 1910...
, and the University of San Francisco
San Francisco Dons men's basketball
The San Francisco Dons basketball team represents the University of San Francisco in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's college basketball. The Dons compete in the West Coast Conference, in which they have won sixteen regular season and one conference tournament...
, before transferring to Portland State University
Portland State University
Portland State University is a public state urban university located in downtown Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1946, it has the largest overall enrollment of any university in the state of Oregon, including undergraduate and graduate students. It is also the only public university in...
where he starred for the Vikings
Portland State Vikings
Portland State Vikings is the nickname of the NCAA-affiliated, intercollegiate athletic teams representing Portland State University of Portland, Oregon...
. He started his professional basketball career by playing in the NBDL
NBA Development League
The NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
with the Charleston Lowgators who drafted him with 39th overall pick in 2002 NBDL
NBA Development League
The NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
Draft. He was called up to play with the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
on January 14, 2004, but was later waived. After a stint in Europe, he returned to the states and once again drafted in NBDL. This time he was drafted 3rd overall by Fort Worth Flyers
Fort Worth Flyers
The Fort Worth Flyers is the name of a now defunct team of the NBA Development League minor league basketball expansion team based in Fort Worth, Texas. They began play in the 2005-06 season. The decision was made by the NBADL to not operate this team for the 2007-08 season.- Franchise history...
in 2005 NBDL Draft. He averaged 17.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game with the Flyers. On April 6, 2006, Udoka was signed by the New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. Udoka was waived by the Knicks on September 11, 2006.
Udoka was the last player invited to his hometown Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
training camp before the 2006–07 season, getting the invite only after Aaron Miles
Aaron Miles (basketball)
Aaron Marquez Miles is an American professional basketball player for Krasnie Krilya, a team in Samara, Russia. At 1.86 m in height, he plays at point guard.-High school career:...
failed a physical
Physical examination
Physical examination or clinical examination is the process by which a doctor investigates the body of a patient for signs of disease. It generally follows the taking of the medical history — an account of the symptoms as experienced by the patient...
. Despite the death of his father during the preseason, Udoka impressed the coaching staff with his defense and professionalism, and improbably, made the team. After having played in only 12 NBA games in his career, Udoka started in 75 games played in the 2006–07 season. He played 28.6 minutes per game while averaging 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals.
Though American-born, Udoka's father of Ibibio
Ibibio people
The Ibibio are a people of southeastern Nigeria. They are related to the Anaang and the Efik peoples. During colonial period in Nigeria, the Ibibio Union asked for recognition by the British as a sovereign nation . The Annang, Efik, Ekid, Oron and Ibeno share personal names, culture, and traditions...
descent, was born in Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
, which qualified him as a member of the Nigerian basketball squad
Nigeria national basketball team
The Nigeria national basketball team is the national team of Nigeria and is generally considered one of the best in Africa along with Angola and Senegal. They are ranked 21st in the world FIBA rankings....
, for whom he played at the 2006 FIBA World Championship
2006 FIBA World Championship
The 2006 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Japan from August 19 to September 3, 2006. It was co-organised by the International Basketball Federation , Japan Basketball Association and the 2006 Organizing Committee...
s. His older sister Mfon
Mfon Udoka
Mfon Sunday Udoka is a Nigerian American professional basketball player and the new Assistant Coach of the Nigeria women's national basketball team the Lady Tigers. Udoka graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland before attending DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois from 1994-98...
used to play in the WNBA. His mother is American.
In 2007, Udoka signed a contract with the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
. Following the 2009 season, Udoka became a free agent, eventually re-signing with the Trail Blazers. He was waived by the Blazers on October 22, 2009.
On November 4, 2009, Udoka signed with the Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
.
On November 24, 2010, Udoka rejoined the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
, but he was waived on January 5, 2011.
Regular season
|-| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | L.A. Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 4 || 0 || 7.0 || .333 || .000 || .500 || 1.3 || .5 || .5 || .2 || 2.0
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | New York
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 8 || 0 || 14.3 || .375 || .333 || .500 || 2.1 || .8 || .1 || .0 || 2.8
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
| 75 || 75 || 28.6 || .461 || .406 || .742 || 3.7 || 1.5 || .9 || .2 || 8.4
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
| 73 || 0 || 18.0 || .424 || .370 || .759 || 3.1 || .9 || .8 || .2 || 5.8
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 67 || 3 || 15.4 || .383 || .328 || .609 || 2.8 || .8 || .5 || .2 || 4.3
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| align="left" | Sacramento
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
| 69 || 2 || 15.4 || .378 || .286 || .737 || 2.8 || .8 || .5 || .1 || 3.6
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 296 || 80 || 13.7 || .420 || .361 || .712 || 3.1 || 1.0 || .7 || .2 || 5.5
Playoffs
|-| align="left" | 2007–08
2008 NBA Playoffs
The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2007–08 season which ended with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4–2....
| align="left" | San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
| 16 || 0 || 14.8 || .465 || .400 || .714 || 2.9 || 1.1 || .7 || .1 || 5.4
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2009 NBA Playoffs
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2008–09 season. The playoffs started on April 18, 2009 with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 5 || 0 || 20.8 || .350 || .125 || .400 || 4.6 || .8 || .8 || .2 || 3.4
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 21 || 0 || 16.2 || .440 || .354 || .583 || 3.3 || 1.0 || .7 || .1 || 5.0