Your IP: His father is Nigerian, while his mother is of African American origin. What development first really means. A four-time NBA Champion with the Golden State Warriors and one of the leaders of the . [50] The Warriors finished the regular season as the first seed in the Western Conference with a 739 record, the best overall record in NBA history, surpassing the 199596 Chicago Bulls' mark of 7210, while Iguodala finished as runner-up for the 201516 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. The National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar Andre Iguodala has joined Jumia's board of directors. Andre is a citizen of the USA. Theres a lot of talent in Africa, Achiuwa said. This was also the fifth time in NBA history that an eighth seed defeated a first seed in the opening round of the playoffs. Bernard Mensah | Meet the Ghanaian-born CEO of Merrill Lynch International, Bank of Americas largest International subsidiary, Barak Jacuzzi: 5 quick facts to know about the Kenyan-American rapper, Ghanaian-born Stephen Osei explains how his life is the American Dream, Tashitaa Tufaa | Meet the Ethiopian who started as a dishwasher but now owns 300 buses in Minneapolis, Adenah Bayoh: The Liberian-born real estate millionaire who is one of the largest employers in Irvinton, New Jersey. The 6ft 11 center was born to a Nigerian father and American mother and played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats. He is often called the Greek Freak, a name that perfectly suits his style. Philadelphia was set to face the No. Andre Tyler Iguodala was born on the 28th of January 1984 to a Nigerian father and an African American mother in Illinois Andre Tyler Iguodala was born on the 28th of January 1984 to a. He scored 17.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. Free shipping for many products! [103], Together with partner Rudy Cline-Thomas, Iguodala has been able to invest in companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Tesla. Oguodala is known for his savvy business instincts and has been at the forefront of navigating the worlds of venture capital and technology in the Bay Area. His mother is African American, while his father is Nigerian. Houses Andre Iguodala bought a mansion in Lafayette, California. [85], Iguodala continued with the Miami Heat in a bench-role for the 202021 season. His return fill's the team's 14th . His first dunk was a simple windmill, but then for his second dunk he received a pass from Allen Iverson off the back side of the backboard, then leapt under the board and put in the reverse on the other side and was awarded a perfect score of 50 points. With a Game 7 victory, the Warriors moved on to the NBA Finals for the second straight year. He helped the Philadelphia 76ers clinch the final seed in the playoffs. During the season, he averaged 9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 32.8 minutes per game. Though he made the team after sinking a game-winning three against Poland in the 2019 Peak Tournament, it wasnt all smooth sailing. In the preseason Philadelphia drafted point guard Jrue Holiday out of UCLA to take over the void left at point guard after the departure of veteran point guard Andre Miller, who had joined the Portland Trail Blazers. [34] On November 14, Iguodala made the game-winning, buzzer-beating shot in the Warriors' 116115 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. BBC Sport Africa has been finding out about all eight of the players set to be the stars of the future. On September 23, 2022, Iguodala re-signed with the Warriors on a one-year, fully guaranteed, 2.9 million dollar contract (the veteran's minimum) and announced his decision to retire after the season. In their conference finals match-up with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Iguodala helped the Warriors fight back from a 31 deficit in the series to win clinch a 43 victory. We want to be a good representation of what we believe in When you go out there, youre not just representing your country or the NBA, youre representing your beliefs. The 21-year-old, 6ft 10 centre looks set to end up at the LA Clippers after he was originally picked by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who immediately traded him the New York Knicks before being moved on again. So he was invited to try out for and in this case, try out for means make the Nigerian Olympic squad. [30] Iguodala returned on opening night of 201213 to play his former team. Theres the saying, It takes a village to raise a child, and that kind of mindset and mentality, I think with his upbringing, rang very true, Vincent said. In February 2019, Iguodala was elected first vice-president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Perhaps Vincents connection with his fellow countrymen stemmed from the values he learned from his father, Franklyn. During the season, the 76ers brought Iguodala's old friend Allen Iverson back in what would be his final season in the NBA before going to play overseas for Beikta. Andre Iguodala found himself in recent months in discussions with his few N.B.A. In his rookie year, he teamed up with Allen Iverson and would regularly display his leap to convert Iverson Alley Oops into monsterous dunks. 153.122.85.11 That was the first time that two players born in Nigeria have been picked in the first round of the same draft. His mother is African American, while his father is Nigerian. Desmond Bane started playing baseball before he switched to basketball and was the 30th overall pick, drafted by the Boston Celtics, with reports that he will be traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. You do some research on those companies because you are watching where your money is going and how its growing or how its being lost. [35] Getting the inbound pass from Klay Thompson, Iguodala turned and made the fade-away jump shot over the Thunder's Thabo Sefolosha. He began to step up his game as the season went on, leading Philadelphia to a playoff berth. [24] Iguodala averaged 12.3 points and 5.9 rebounds on the season. [37] When playing against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 23, 2013, Iguodala strained his left hamstring late in the third quarter. Im glad he played well, but Im glad we got the win. [90] After missing the first 39 games due to a hip injury, he made his season debut on January 8, 2023, in a 115101 loss to the Orlando Magic.[91]. Join us in wishing @DeandreAyton of the @Suns a HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY! This is something for the long run. Per the Philly Inquirer: Iguodalas father is Nigerian. Coach Mike Krzyzewski called Iguodala one of the team's best players, and compared his game to that of Scottie Pippen. American Basketball star Andre Iguodala , a notable tech investor and board member of Jumia Group, recently visited Nigeria his country of descent to engage . Theyve gotten here and they want to prove that they belong. His stellar performance, however, wasn't enough and the Phoenix Suns lost to a stronger Milwaukee Bucks but not due to a lack of effort. His next opportunity to return will be Sunday against the Lakers, although a timetable for his return isn't yet clear. [72] However, Thompson left the game after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee,[73] and Durant was already sidelined after rupturing his right Achilles tendon in Game 5. He was one of four players to average at least 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, with the others being LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tracy McGrady. For his defensive efforts throughout the season, Iguodala was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team Second Team, though his coaches and teammates lobbied for him to make the First Team. The draft was originally scheduled for 25 June but had been delayed because of the fallout from the coronavirus and was this year held via video calls. After Allen Iverson was traded to the Denver Nuggets and Chris Webber was released, Iguodala would have to get accustomed to his new leadership role with the 76ers. The Sixers hired coach Eddie Jordan to take over for Tony DiLeo. Im glad he played well, but Im glad we got the win. Aside winning several laurels as an NBA star, Iguodala is also a tech-investor and a leading advocate for athletes in the NBA to invest in the technology industry. [38] The win extended the Warriors' season-high winning streak to 8 games. Andre Iguodala, whose father is Nigerian, turned down Team Nigeria when they repeatedly tried to recruit him for their Olympic squad. He has won four NBA championships with the Warriors and was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2015. Read about our approach to external linking. He is the son of Linda Shanklin. When people see us on the court, we want them to see Gods work. [59] Following a 129115 victory in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals over the Spurs, the Warriors reached their third straight NBA Finals series while becoming the first team in league history to start the playoffs 120. At Arizona he joined future NBA players Channing Frye, Luke Walton, Mustafa Shakur, Salim Stoudamire and Hassan Adams. Miami Heat may well get a few more fans in Nigeria as Achiuwa will join four others at the team who have Nigerian heritage - Bam Adebayo, Andre Iguodala, Chikezie 'KZ' Okpala and Gabe Vincent. His defensive prowess lies in his ability to gather balls off the rim and offensively, he can put the same balls back in for quick buckets. 26 player in the nation in 2002. Andre Tyler Iguodala (born January 28, 1984) is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). 'They have no choice now': LeBron James, seldom labeled a pure scorer, eyes the NBA points summit, Warriors' Iguodala set for season debut vs. Magic, The questions that will determine the Warriors' repeat title run, 16 carats?! About Andre Iguodala. Secret trap doors? Brad Underwood, the coach at college side Illinois, who came up against Oturu as he played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, was full of praise for the youngster. I feel quick. Giannis is often double-teamed in defense and yet he spins, pivots, or just drives past. [13] However, on July 25, 2017, Iguodala re-signed with the Warriors[62] on a three-year, $48 million contract. Iguodala visited the Arkansas campus and was impressed by their large gymnasium and the number of fans at a practice while he visited with his mother and father. After posting career totals of 594 points (9.6 ppg), 409 rebounds (6.6 rpg) and 95 steals (1.53 spg) in 62 games (34 starts) he left to enter the NBA draft. HoopsHype: Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic: HoopsHype: Jimmy Butler on Julius Randles winning three-pointer: Mark Haynes: DeAaron Fox showed Russell Westbrook nothing but respect after defeating the Clippers on Friday. Game 5 had it all as the Warriors' title hopes stay alive and they mourn Kevin Durant's injury", "Why Iguodala didn't plan to sit out, re-sign with Warriors", "Warriors trade Andre Iguodala to Grizzlies; Lacob says team will retire jersey", "Why the collapse of the Warriors feels so abrupt", "Warriors Acquire All-Star Guard D'Angelo Russell From Brooklyn Nets", "Should the Blazers be a candidate to acquire Andre Iguodala from the Grizzlies? Click to reveal [76], The Grizzlies, who were rebuilding, reached an agreement before training camp to allow Iguodala to stay away from the team and train on his own. Previously with the 3-time NBA Champions Golden State Warriors, Iguodala was drafted into the NBA in 2004. That season, he averaged 23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. It was a grind, to be honest. During the playoffs, he boosted his averages to 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists, while also starting a majority of the games. That's tough, but we didn't deserve to win. At Lanphier he did well academically and athletically; he won All-Conference academic honors, was on the National Honor Roll, was a State Journal-Register Student-Athlete of the Week several times,[7] and gained three letters in track for the high jump. The swingman was an NBA All-Star in 2012 and has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team twice. pic.twitter.com/zOuopMbpCb, Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 4, 2023, Agents, Free Agency, George Langberg, Top Rumors, Top Rumors, Agents, Free Agency, George Langberg, Nerlens Noel, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons. Born to Nigerian immigrants, Giannis is from Greece. Iguodala entered the 2017 off-season as a free agent and held meetings with numerous competing teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, and Houston Rockets. I bring a mature, consistent approach, both on and off the floor, and I think that'll be beneficial early on," he said about the prospect of playing in the NBA. Finals", "Warriors first to 5 Finals in row since 1966 Celtics", "Raptors capture first NBA title, beat Warriors in Game 6", "After the Injuries, What's Next for the Warriors? Although the rookie had to adapt to a new culture when he moved from Port Harcourt to the United States in the eighth grade, he knows his upbringing played a vital role in who hes become. In Game 7, Iguodala started in place of Harrison Barnes and again marked Kevin Durant. If you watch that game [vs Grizzlies] and you say hes a negative defender or a poor defender, Id like you to pee in a cup, OK?. Last updated on 19 November 202019 November 2020.From the section Sport Africa. Antony Ressler: If youre the final decision maker, which I am, you have to have complete accountability. [10], Iguodala initially signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Arkansas. This led to the firing of Nuggets coach George Karl, who just won the NBA Coach of the Year Award. Iguodala was born in Springfield, Illinois. Iguodala was also a finalist for the Illinois Mr. Basketball award, which was awarded to Dee Brown. Antony Ressler: Landry and Kyle are trying to create strongly what it means to be a Hawk. Philadelphia 76ers Andre Iguodala #9 NBA SWINGMAN adidas Basketball Jersey XL | Sport, Weitere Ballsportarten, Basketball | eBay! Its also gotten more popular on the continent of Africa, which includes 54 sovereign countries, one of which has a deep connection to the HEAT. They were eventually eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a thrilling seven games in the Conference Semifinals. They didnt know I invested. The 6ft 7 small forward was chosen as the 45th overall pick (or the 15th in the second round) by the Milwaukee Bucks. [32][33] He officially joined the Warriors in a three-team sign-and-trade deal with the Nuggets and the Utah Jazz. DeAaron Fox showed Russell Westbrook nothing but respect after defeating the Clippers on Friday. Is every player on the table when it comes to potential change, including Trae Young? Unfortunately, Iguodala went on to miss twelve consecutive games. Im really proud of my culture. A 6' 4" shooting guard, he is agile and athletic with exceptional explosive strength. In July 2013, Iguodala declined a five-year deal with Denver and agreed to a four-year for a reported $48 million with the Golden State Warriors. Andre Iguodala is an American professional basketball who has a net worth of $50 million. [29] At the end of the 201112 NBA season, Iguodala averaged 12.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.5 apg, 1.7 spg in 35.6 mpg. Coming in as the 27th overall pick was Udoka Azubuike who will be playing for the Utah Jazz. [60] The Warriors would again matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals where Iguodala was a key bench player during the 2017 NBA Finals, often guarding James and scored 20 points in Game 5,[61] helping the Warriors win the championship by defeating the Cavaliers in five games. [5] After the season, Iguodala signed with agent Rob Pelinka, co-founder of the Landmark Sports Agency, who had represented NBA All-Stars such as Kobe Bryant, Carlos Boozer and Gerald Wallace. In Game 6 of the series, Iguodala's defense on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook was key to the Warriors forcing Game 7. In 2017, he partnered with Bloomberg on the creation of The Players Technology Summit which convenes top executives and leaders in the technology, venture capital, and sports communities to exchange ideas and share expertise in an educational and empowering forum. On August 12, 2008, Iguodala reportedly agreed to a six-year, $80 million contract extension with the Sixers. Youll never hear a bad thing said about Russell Westbrook from anyone in this league thats played against him or with him., Faced with the internal revolt, Tony Parker is now backing away from the idea to sell the majority shares in the LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne organization, Ja Morant was allegedly seen showing off a gun in his IG Live this morning. Iguodala had averaged 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game through 82 regular-season games. [5][8][9] As a senior in 2002, Iguodala led Lanphier's basketball team to a runner-up finish at the Illinois High School Association Class AA state tournament. We went to the Dominican Republic, played there. Iguodala will promote business development and technology in the U.S. on behalf of Lagos-based Jumia, the online marketplace founded in 2012 that sells 6 million products from more than 50,000 . Along with his star teammate Jimmy Butler, Adebayo has taken the Florida team to three playoffs, reaching the NBA finals against the LA Lakers in the 2019-20 season. The 6ft 6 shooting guard was raised in Indiana with a southern-Nigerian father and American mother. [46][47], On November 11, 2015, Iguodala scored a season-high 20 points against the Memphis Grizzlies to help the Warriors begin the season 90. With Golden State down 21 in the series, Iguodala made his first start of the season, replacing center Andrew Bogut in Game 4. On defense, Giannis swats the ball away with ease. So he was invited to try out for and in this case, try out for means make the Nigerian Olympic squad. Even though I wasn't born in Nigeria, I still got Nigerian blood. He went on to play for the Golden State Warriors and won. After three championships and five trips to the Finals with the Warriors, Iguodala had a two-year stint with the Miami Heat, with whom he reached his sixth straight Finals in 2020. In Game 1, Orlando had an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter, but Philadelphia made an amazing comeback led by Iguodala, eventually scoring a step-back, fadeaway jumper in the face of Hedo Trkolu with 2.2 seconds remaining to give the Sixers the win. Last season, Iguodala played just 31 games during the regular season. He's not going to be able to play",[14] Iguodala used this as motivation in what proved to be a very productive rookie season. He reminds me a lot of Kevin Garnett with his package - his athleticism, his skill set," Underwood said. And at around the age of 16, Adebayo felt compelled to delve more into his Nigerian roots. [105], Iguodala appeared as a fictionalized version of himself in the second season of Abbott Elementary (2022).[106]. Jordan Nwora will be the most popular pick on the list to Nigerians as the 22-year-old is a member of the country's senior men's basketball team, otherwise known as D'Tigers. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. [12], Iguodala also won a bronze medal with the U.S. at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship in 2002. However, he also had his career-best season in assists with 6.3 apg and helped the Sixers make the playoffs with the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. [36] Iguodala finished with 14 points and 9 assists. [12][13], Iguodala was selected 9th overall in the 2004 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He is expected to promote the companys business development and technology in the U.S. Iguodala is not only excited that he is visiting Nigeria for the first time as an adult, he is happy to invest home. !@Giannis_An34 @Paschketball pic.twitter.com/kxLuUoXP0A. Of course, the Basketball Africa League, which was organized by the NBA and FIBA, should foster even more interest in the sport. [88][89] Iguodala went on to win his fourth championship after the Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in 6 games of the 2022 NBA Finals. Antony Ressler on Trae Young: 'I don't open the door or close the door to any personnel'. After the 202021 season, the Heat did not exercise their $15 million option of Iguodala's contract for the 202122 season, making him a free agent.[86]. Iguodala was born in Springfield, Illinois on January 28, 1984. Landry has referenced the need for accountability. Oladipo is a multi-dimensional player. [87] He missed 31 games from January to April with back soreness. It doesnt even do it justice. It was difficult, so just reading what my name comes from, getting the basics down, like really learning like the heritage and where Im from and what tribe.. He showed his versatility during the season posting up a career-high in triple-doubles. Daniel Oturu was the third choice in the second round of the draft which made him the 33rd pick overall. Many colleges regarded Iguodala as a track star turned basketball player but teammate Luke Walton said, "He is going to be one of the best players to ever come out of Arizona by the time he is done here".