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Georgia basketball signs 7-foot Nigerian center
TL;DR
Georgia Bulldogs basketball has signed 7-foot center David Ugonna Ike from NBA Academy Africa. Ike is the first commitment for the Bulldogs' 2026 class and previously played for Rivers Hoops in the Basketball Africa League.
Key points
- Georgia Bulldogs sign David Ugonna Ike
- Ike is a 7-foot, 235-pound center
- He played at NBA Academy Africa
- Ike is the first commitment for the 2026 class
- He previously played for Rivers Hoops in the Basketball Africa League
NBA Academy AfricaRivers HoopsGeorgia BulldogsBasketball Africa League
The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team could've found their replacement for Somto Cyril. David Ugonna Ike, from NBA Academy Africa, signed with the Bulldogs. Ike is the first commitment of the Bulldogs' 2026 class and the third addition this offseason.
He has a towering 7-foot, 235-pound frame, and he used it to dominate at NBA Academy Africa. He put up 26 points and 15 rebounds against Dubai on Jan. 30 and 27 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks against Veritas Prep on Jan. 31 as part of the Avance Global Cup.
Ike's play helped his team take third place in the 2026 tournament. Before his time with NBA Academy Africa, he spent two seasons playing for the Rivers Hoops in the Basketball Africa League (BAL). He helped the team to a third-place playoff finish in 2024 and 2025.
"I started playing basketball in 2020. My parents (are my inspiration)," Ike told ESPN last June. "Right now, things in Nigeria are really hard, so they inspire me to keep going so I can help them in the future."
Georgia is in the hunt for center depth with Somto Cyril (Miami) and Jackson McVey (undecided) entering the transfer portal. Ike could have the defensive upside to replace Cyril's presence in the paint. The Bulldogs will look to add a veteran big man in the transfer portal.
The Bulldogs surprisingly have a ton of talent returning, even with Cyril and Jeremiah Wilkinson (Arkansas) transferring. Kanon Catchings, Blue Cain, and Smurf Millender are more than likely three starters, while the Bulldogs signed Freddie Dilione, the leading scorer of the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Georgia basketball signs David Ugonna Ike
Q&A
Who is David Ugonna Ike and what are his basketball achievements?
David Ugonna Ike is a 7-foot center who dominated at NBA Academy Africa, scoring 26 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in one game and 27 points with 14 rebounds in another during the Avance Global Cup.
What impact will David Ugonna Ike have on the Georgia Bulldogs basketball team?
As a towering center and the first commitment for the Bulldogs' 2026 class, Ike is expected to fill the gap left by Somto Cyril and enhance the team's performance in the upcoming seasons.
What is the significance of signing players from NBA Academy Africa for college basketball teams?
Signing players from NBA Academy Africa, like David Ugonna Ike, allows college basketball teams to tap into emerging talent and diversify their rosters with skilled athletes from international programs.
