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{{short description|Nigerian-American basketball player}} | {{short description|Nigerian-American basketball player (born 1995)}} | ||
{{Good article}} | {{Good article}} | ||
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}} | {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}} | ||
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| height_in = 10 | | height_in = 10 | ||
| weight_lb = 270 | | weight_lb = 270 | ||
| league = ] | | league = ] | ||
| team = |
| team = Indiana Mad Ants | ||
| number = 15 | | number = 15 | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|12|15}} | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|12|15}} | ||
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| team5 = ] | | team5 = ] | ||
| years6 = ] | | years6 = ] | ||
| team6 = ] | | team6 = ] | ||
| years7 = 2023 | | years7 = 2023 | ||
| team7 = ] | | team7 = ] | ||
| years8 = 2023–2024 | | years8 = 2023–2024 | ||
| team8 = Zhejiang Lions | | team8 = Zhejiang Lions | ||
| years9 = |
| years9 = 2024 | ||
| team9 = ] | | team9 = ] | ||
| years10 = ]–present | |||
| highlights = | |||
| team10 = ] | |||
* ] ({{nbay|2015|end}}) | | highlights = * ] ({{nbay|2015|end}}) | ||
* ] All-Star (2024) | |||
* ] (]) | * ] (]) | ||
* Consensus first-team ] (]) | * Consensus first-team ] (]) | ||
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* ] (2015) | * ] (2015) | ||
* ] (2014) | * ] (2014) | ||
* ] (2014) | |||
* ] co-MVP (]) | * ] co-MVP (]) | ||
* First-team ] (2014) | * First-team ] (2014) | ||
* ] (2014) | * ] (2014) | ||
* ] (2012) | * ] (2012) | ||
| medal_templates = | | medal_templates = {{MedalSport | Men's ]}} | ||
{{MedalSport | Men's ]}} | |||
{{MedalCountry|the {{USA}}}} | {{MedalCountry|the {{USA}}}} | ||
{{MedalCompetition|]}} | {{MedalCompetition|]}} | ||
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{{MedalGold| ] | ]}} | {{MedalGold| ] | ]}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Jahlil Obika Okafor''' ({{IPAc-en|'|dʒ|ɑː|_|l|iː|l}};<!--as opposed to the more common Juh-LEEL--><ref>{{cite web |
'''Jahlil Obika Okafor''' ({{IPAc-en|'|dʒ|ɑː|_|l|iː|l}};<!--as opposed to the more common Juh-LEEL--><ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Jordan|title=Okafor mystified by mispronunciations: Top junior Jahlil Okafor says most coaches recruiting him pronounce his name wrong|url=http://www.usatodayhss.com/news/article/coaches-mispronounce-top-recruit-jahlil-okafors-name|work=USA TODAY High School Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331001618/http://www.usatodayhss.com/news/article/coaches-mispronounce-top-recruit-jahlil-okafors-name|archive-date=March 31, 2013|df=mdy-all|url-status=dead}}</ref> born December 15, 1995) is a Nigerian-American<ref>{{cite web|title=Jahlil Okafor commits to Nigeria for Olympic basketball|url=https://olympics.nbcsports.com/2020/02/24/jahlil-okafor-nigeria/|website=NBCSports.com|date=February 24, 2020|access-date=February 25, 2020|archive-date=February 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225151357/https://olympics.nbcsports.com/2020/02/24/jahlil-okafor-nigeria/|url-status=live}}</ref> professional ] player for the ] of the ]. He played his freshman season of ] for the ]. He was selected with the third overall pick in the ] by the ]. | ||
Okafor had been heavily recruited before high school and was at the top of the recruiting rankings for several years.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
Okafor had been heavily recruited before high school and was at the top of the recruiting rankings for several years.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Grimala|title=Okafor taking recruiting cues from Parker|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/5914|work=]|date=June 18, 2012|access-date=June 30, 2012|archive-date=April 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420184424/http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/5914/okafor-taking-recruiting-cues-from-parker|url-status=live}}</ref> He played high school basketball in Chicago, Illinois for ], where he earned ] awards from McDonald's, '']'' and '']''. Okafor signed with ] as a package with ], with widespread recognition as the preseason ]. At Duke, he earned the ] and ], and a unanimous ] first-team selection. | ||
==Early life and career== | ==Early life and career== | ||
Okafor was born in ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u17/2018/alltimemedalists |title=History, All time Medalists - FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018 - FIBA.basketball |access-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529203202/https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u17/2018/alltimemedalists |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=NBA>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/players/jahlil/okafor/1626143 |title=Jahlil Okafor {{!}} Detroit Pistons {{!}} NBA.com<!-- Bot generated title --> |website=] |access-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-date=July 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707013926/https://www.nba.com/players/jahlil/okafor/1626143 |url-status=live }}</ref> His father, Chukwudi, known as Chuck, is a ] Nigerian American of ] descent, and his mother, Dacresha Lanett Benton, was Bantu-American and European-American.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/26/sports/2003-ncaa-tournament-true-student-athlete-academics-and-a-game-to-back-it-up.html|title=2003 N.C.A.A. TOURNAMENT: TRUE STUDENT ATHLETE; Academics, And a Game To Back It Up|access-date=August 19, 2015|date=March 26, 2003|work=]| |
Okafor was born in ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u17/2018/alltimemedalists |title=History, All time Medalists - FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018 - FIBA.basketball |access-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529203202/https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u17/2018/alltimemedalists |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=NBA>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/players/jahlil/okafor/1626143 |title=Jahlil Okafor {{!}} Detroit Pistons {{!}} NBA.com<!-- Bot generated title --> |website=] |access-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-date=July 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707013926/https://www.nba.com/players/jahlil/okafor/1626143 |url-status=live }}</ref> His father, Chukwudi, known as Chuck, is a ] Nigerian American of ] descent, and his mother, Dacresha Lanett Benton, was ]-American and European-American.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/26/sports/2003-ncaa-tournament-true-student-athlete-academics-and-a-game-to-back-it-up.html|title=2003 N.C.A.A. TOURNAMENT: TRUE STUDENT ATHLETE; Academics, And a Game To Back It Up|access-date=August 19, 2015|date=March 26, 2003|work=]|last=Longman |first=Jere|archive-date=July 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723125916/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/26/sports/2003-ncaa-tournament-true-student-athlete-academics-and-a-game-to-back-it-up.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=1TAtAiS/> As a youth, Okafor split time between his mother's home in the town of ], and his father's home in ]. When he was nine years old, his mother contracted ] and died two weeks later from a collapsed lung. Okafor permanently moved in with his father to the ] of Chicago and then to ].<ref name=JOCNBBPITC>{{cite web|url=http://chicagosidesports.com/jahlil-okafor-chicagos-next-best-basketball-player-in-the-country/|title=Jahlil Okafor: Chicago's Next, Best Basketball Player In The Country|access-date=December 31, 2012|date=December 20, 2012|publisher=ChicagoSideSports.com|last=Strauss, Ben|archive-date=December 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230191947/http://chicagosidesports.com/jahlil-okafor-chicagos-next-best-basketball-player-in-the-country/|url-status=live}}</ref> Okafor attended Rosemont Elementary.<ref name=Dyrcs/> The adjustment was difficult because he was shy and so tall that other students thought he was put in the class for having failed.<ref name=1TAtAiS/> In November 2008, during seventh grade, he matched his father's height of {{convert|6|ft|5|in|m|2}}.<ref name=Do8s/> Later the family moved to Chicago's North Side so that Okafor could attend ].<ref name=JOCNBBPITC/> | ||
As a {{convert|6|ft|7|in|m|2|adj=on}} eighth-grader, Okafor was recruited by ] in violation of ] (NCAA) recruiting rules when DePaul ] Jean Lenti Ponsetto made public comments about an offer.<ref name=Doeascvwds>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/DePaul-offers-eighth-grader-a-scholly-commits-v?urn=ncaab,219591|title=DePaul offers eighth-grader a scholly, commits violation while doing so|access-date=June 30, 2012|date=February 14, 2010|publisher=]| |
As a {{convert|6|ft|7|in|m|2|adj=on}} eighth-grader, Okafor was recruited by ], in violation of ] (NCAA) recruiting rules, when DePaul ] Jean Lenti Ponsetto made public comments about an offer.<ref name=Doeascvwds>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/DePaul-offers-eighth-grader-a-scholly-commits-v?urn=ncaab,219591|title=DePaul offers eighth-grader a scholly, commits violation while doing so|access-date=June 30, 2012|date=February 14, 2010|publisher=]|last=Norlander, Matt|archive-date=June 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627024856/https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/DePaul-offers-eighth-grader-a-scholly-commits-v?urn=ncaab,219591|url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, interim coach ], made an oral offer on January 30 outside the DePaul locker room at ].<ref name=Dyrcs/> The offer was noted online by ESPNChicago.com and picked up by the press, leading to the problematic statements by Ponsetto.<ref name=Dyrcs/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/02/12/depaul-offers-basketball-scholarship-to-8th-grader/|title=DePaul offers basketball scholarship to 8th-grader: Jahlil Okafor, 14, reportedly has received a scholarship offer from DePaul basketball coach Tracy Webster|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=February 12, 2010|work=]|last=McCarthy, Jack|archive-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419165525/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-02-12/sports/ct-spt-0213-bkc-rup--20100212_1_blue-demons-espn-report-offers|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2010, Ponsetto confirmed in a statement: | ||
{{blockquote|This is a young guy we've been talking with for a long time, and who has been to games and we have a relationship with because his uncle works for the Rosemont Police Department...I think it's a prospect who has grown up around DePaul basketball. I think he's probably a fan and someone who has been a fan for some time, since we have played in Rosemont for the last 30 years.<ref name=Do8s/>}} | {{blockquote|This is a young guy we've been talking with for a long time, and who has been to games and we have a relationship with because his uncle works for the Rosemont Police Department...I think it's a prospect who has grown up around DePaul basketball. I think he's probably a fan and someone who has been a fan for some time, since we have played in Rosemont for the last 30 years.<ref name=Do8s/>}} | ||
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==High school career== | ==High school career== | ||
===Freshman and sophomore seasons=== | ===Freshman and sophomore seasons=== | ||
Okafor and ] teammate Paul White were regarded as the best incoming freshmen in the ], according to the ''Chicago Sun-Times''{{'s}} Joe Henricksen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2010/10/offers_talent_hype_for_class_o.html|title=Offers + talent = hype for Class of 2014|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=October 3, 2010|work=]| |
Okafor and ] teammate Paul White were regarded as the best incoming freshmen in the ], according to the ''Chicago Sun-Times''{{'s}} Joe Henricksen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2010/10/offers_talent_hype_for_class_o.html|title=Offers + talent = hype for Class of 2014|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=October 3, 2010|work=]|last=Henricksen |first=Joe|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523200409/http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2010/10/offers_talent_hype_for_class_o.html|archive-date=May 23, 2013}}</ref> They joined a team with six returning seniors that had finished as state runners up the prior year.<ref name=BbpYrtpots/> Along with {{height|ft=6|in=10}} sophomore Thomas Hamilton Jr. and White, Okafor was part of a trio of Whitney Young players ranked in the top 10 of their respective national classes by ].<ref name=BbpYrtpots>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/11/23/boys-basketball-preview-young-ready-to-put-on-talent-show/|title=Boys basketball preview – Young ready to put on talent show|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=November 23, 2010|work=]|last=Narang, Bob|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192539/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-11-23/sports/ct-spt-1124-prep-bkb-pvw-young-20101123_1_ahmad-starks-boys-basketball-preview-jahlil-okafor|url-status=live}}</ref> Entering the season, Whitney Young was considered to resemble a college team due to its size and athleticism.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2010/10/a_little_flash_returns_to_even.html|title=A little Flash returns; Parker to Illini's MM|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=October 6, 2010|work=]|last=Henricksen |first=Joe|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523200920/http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2010/10/a_little_flash_returns_to_even.html|archive-date=May 23, 2013}}</ref> That year, Okafor feels he was not one of the "key players" on the team, but attending tournaments with elite players such as ] and ] inspired him to be one.<ref name=TjcJObaCoPPa>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatodayhss.com/news/article/jahlil-okafor-city-of-palms-jabari-parker-decision|title=Top junior center Jahlil Okafor blogs about City of Palms, Parker announcement|access-date=February 20, 2013|date=December 2012|work=]|last=Okafor, Jahlil|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123063738/http://www.usatodayhss.com/news/article/jahlil-okafor-city-of-palms-jabari-parker-decision|archive-date=January 23, 2013}}</ref> | ||
Following his freshman season, Okafor was regarded as the second best ] prospect in the Chicago area behind ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2011/04/hoops_reports_player_power_ran.html |
Following his freshman season, Okafor was regarded as the second best ] prospect in the Chicago area behind ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Henricksen |first=Joe |date=April 13, 2011 |title=Hoops Report's player power rankings |url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2011/04/hoops_reports_player_power_ran.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523185610/http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2011/04/hoops_reports_player_power_ran.html |archive-date=May 23, 2013 |access-date=July 2, 2012 |work=]}}</ref> The scouting report on him was that he possessed an improved mid-range ], nimble feet, soft hands and physical skills at {{convert|6|ft|9|in|m|2|adj=on}} that made him a mismatch against almost any high school competitor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2011/06/okafor_continues_to_impress_pl.html|title=Okafor dominates at R-B; player movement stirring|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=June 6, 2011|work=]|last=Henricksen |first=Joe|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523092212/http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2011/06/okafor_continues_to_impress_pl.html|archive-date=May 23, 2013}}</ref> Prior to his sophomore season Dave Spahn of '']'' described Okafor as a player with the footwork and ] to dominate his opponents, placing him in the conversation for the role of best player in the national class of 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2011/10/illinois-high-school-baksetball-2011-ready-to-rumble/|title=Ready to Rumble: A look at the top teams in the Windy City.|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=October 8, 2011|work=]|last=Spahn, Dave|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809044839/http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2011/10/illinois-high-school-baksetball-2011-ready-to-rumble/|archive-date=August 9, 2012}}</ref> In August 2011, ] ranked him as the third best player in the class of 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2011/08/dont_go_forgetting_about_paul_.html|title=Don't go forgetting about Paul White|access-date=July 3, 2012|date=August 19, 2011|work=]|last=Henricksen |first=Joe|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523120722/http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2011/08/dont_go_forgetting_about_paul_.html|archive-date=May 23, 2013}}</ref> | ||
Okafor and White were featured in ''Ball So Hard'', the first documentary short by '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dimemag.com/2011/12/lifetimes-presents-ball-so-hard/|title=Life + Times Presents Ball So Hard|access-date=July 6, 2012|date=December 27, 2011|work=]| |
Okafor and White were featured in ''Ball So Hard'', the first documentary short by '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dimemag.com/2011/12/lifetimes-presents-ball-so-hard/|title=Life + Times Presents Ball So Hard|access-date=July 6, 2012|date=December 27, 2011|work=]|last=Phillips, Aron|archive-date=May 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506233930/http://dimemag.com/2011/12/lifetimes-presents-ball-so-hard/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
On December 22, in front of an audience that included ], ], ] and ] at the ], Okafor had 20 points (10 in the fourth quarter), |
On December 22, in front of an audience that included ], ], ] and ] at the ], Okafor had 20 points (10 in the fourth quarter), nine rebounds and three ]s against cross-town rival Simeon and its star Parker in a 62–55 loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-1223-prep-bkb-young-simeon-20111223,0,7780272.story|title=Boys Basketball – Nunn helps No. 1 Simeon hang on against Young|access-date=December 23, 2011|date=December 22, 2011|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=December 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225224224/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-1223-prep-bkb-young-simeon-20111223,0,7780272.story|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Following the season, the '']'' named him to the Class 4A All-State first team along with Parker, Keith Carter, Darius Paul and ].<ref name=BBC3Atlwt>{{cite web|url=http://yourseason.suntimes.com/home/11304674-390/boys-basketball-class-3a4a-all-state-teams-loaded-with-talent.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203091705/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/home/11304674-390/boys-basketball-class-3a4a-all-state-teams-loaded-with-talent.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 3, 2013|title=Boys Basketball: Class 3A/4A All-State teams loaded with talent|access-date=March 17, 2012|date=March 14, 2012|work=]| |
Following the season, the '']'' named him to the Class 4A All-State first team along with Parker, Keith Carter, Darius Paul and ].<ref name=BBC3Atlwt>{{cite web|url=http://yourseason.suntimes.com/home/11304674-390/boys-basketball-class-3a4a-all-state-teams-loaded-with-talent.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203091705/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/home/11304674-390/boys-basketball-class-3a4a-all-state-teams-loaded-with-talent.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 3, 2013|title=Boys Basketball: Class 3A/4A All-State teams loaded with talent|access-date=March 17, 2012|date=March 14, 2012|work=]|last=O'Brien, Michael}}</ref> The '']'' named him to its second team All-State team.<ref name=BbCTASst>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/03/31/boys-basketball-chicago-tribune-all-state-second-team/|title=Boys basketball – Chicago Tribune All-State second team|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=March 31, 2012|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=April 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402063103/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-03-31/sports/ct-spt-0401-prep-bkb-all-state-second-caps-20120401_1_devin-foster-darius-paul-brandon-book|url-status=live}}</ref> The ] named him to its Class 4A second team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/03/14/boys-basketball-associated-press-4a-3a-all-state-teams-announced/|title=Boys basketball – Associated Press 4A, 3A All-State teams announced|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=March 14, 2012|work=]|archive-date=March 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315184635/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-03-14/sports/cst-prep-ap-state-4a-3a-031412_1_sterling-brown-jabari-parker-kendrick-nunn|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also selected by the Chicago Public League Basketball Coaches Association to its 25-man boy's All-City team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/insidescoop/cs-prep-bkb-all-city-1112,0,7306873.story?page=2|title=Basketball – 2011–12 All-City teams announced|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=March 1, 2012|work=]|archive-date=July 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730045034/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/insidescoop/cs-prep-bkb-all-city-1112,0,7306873.story?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Chicago Sun-Times'' named him to its All-Public League second team as well as its All-area 20-man team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yourseason.suntimes.com/schools/young/boys_basketball/10402590-393/boys-basketball-sun-times-all-public-league-teams.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203204249/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/schools/young/boys_basketball/10402590-393/boys-basketball-sun-times-all-public-league-teams.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 3, 2013|title=Boys Basketball: Sun-Times All-Public League teams|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=February 2, 2012|work=]|last=Travis, Clyde}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://highschoolsports.suntimes.com/home/10994920-401/boys-basketball-sun-times-all-area-team.html|title=Boys Basketball: Sun-Times All-Area team|access-date=July 3, 2012|date=May 12, 2012|work=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201154509/http://highschoolsports.suntimes.com/home/10994920-401/boys-basketball-sun-times-all-area-team.html|archive-date=February 1, 2014}}</ref> By the end of his sophomore season, he started appearing on ballots from ''ESPN HS''{{'s}} 10-person panel for the ] award as the best high school basketball player in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/high-school/boys-basketball/story/_/id/7781308 |title=Final Mr. Basketball USA Tracker: Shabazz Muhammad, Jabari Parker only two candidates to appear on every ballot|access-date=June 30, 2012|date=April 6, 2012|work=]|last=Flores |first=Ronnie|archive-date=April 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412031226/http://espn.go.com/high-school/boys-basketball/story/_/id/7781308/final-2012-mr-basketball-usa-tracker|url-status=live}}</ref> He was one of twenty sophomores chosen as ]s by '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/4876 |title=Wiggins, Jones among best underclassmen|access-date=July 5, 2012|date=May 4, 2012|work=]|last=Flores |first=Ronnie|archive-date=June 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615062204/http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/4876/wiggins-jones-among-best-underclassmen|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Junior season=== | ===Junior season=== | ||
] against ] on January 26, 2013]] | ] against ] on January 26, 2013]] | ||
In June 2012, '']'' named him one of their "Future Game Changers", a group of fourteen young athletes who are considered to be the brightest talents of their respective sport (such as ], ], and ]).<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/highschool/06/25/high-school-future-game-changers/index.html |
In June 2012, '']'' named him one of their "Future Game Changers", a group of fourteen young athletes who are considered to be the brightest talents of their respective sport (such as ], ], and ]).<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Baumgaertner |first=Gabriel |last2=Fixler |first2=Kevin |last3=Weaver |first3=Erin |last4=Woodruff |first4=Macklin |name-list-style=and |date=July 5, 2012 |title=Future Game Changers |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/highschool/06/25/high-school-future-game-changers/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019155523/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/highschool/06/25/high-school-future-game-changers/index.html |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |access-date=December 20, 2012 |magazine=]}}</ref> On September 19, Calipari offered Okafor a scholarship to play for ],<ref>{{cite web |last=Okafor |first=Jahlil |date=October 8, 2012 |title=Top junior center Jahlil Okafor blogs about recruitment, Jabari Parker and "Pretty Little Liars" |url=http://www.usatodayhss.com/news/article/jahlil-okafor-blog-jabari-parker-pretty-little-liars |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206010829/http://www.usatodayhss.com/news/article/jahlil-okafor-blog-jabari-parker-pretty-little-liars |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |access-date=February 13, 2013 |work=]}}</ref> joining ], Michigan State, ], Illinois, Duke, ], ] and Arizona as programs that have offered Okafor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.courier-journal.com/recruiting/2012/09/21/18437/|title=Jahlil Okafor's dad discusses new Kentucky offer|access-date=September 27, 2012|date=September 21, 2012|work=]|last=Jones, Steve|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120045806/http://blogs.courier-journal.com/recruiting/2012/09/21/18437/|archive-date=January 20, 2013}}</ref> | ||
Okafor was one of 10 ''USA Today'' preseason All-USA selections (along with ], ], ], ], Jones, Parker, ], ], ]).<ref>{{cite web| |
Okafor was one of 10 ''USA Today'' preseason All-USA selections (along with ], ], ], ], Jones, Parker, ], ], ]).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Halley |first=Jim |last2=Jordan |first2=Jason |name-list-style=and |date=November 6, 2012 |title=Preseason American Family Insurance ALL-USA Team: 10 high school hoops players to watch |url=http://www.usatodayhss.com/amfam/article/preseason-all-usa-high-school-basketball-team-2012-2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108004231/http://www.usatodayhss.com/amfam/article/preseason-all-usa-high-school-basketball-team-2012-2013 |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |access-date=November 9, 2012 |work=]}}</ref> Okafor was named as one of the top 5 ] contenders (along with Parker, ], Sterling Brown and Malcolm Hill) prior to the season by the ''Chicago Tribune'''s Mike Helfgot.<ref>{{cite web |last=Helfgot |first=Mike |date=November 21, 2012 |title=Boys basketball – Top 5 Mr. Basketball candidates |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-1122-prep-bkb-pvw-top-5-mr-hoops-20121121,0,7730653.story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121161405/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-1122-prep-bkb-pvw-top-5-mr-hoops-20121121,0,7730653.story |archive-date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=November 21, 2012 |work=]}}</ref> Whitney Young was the number eight ranked team in the ] national preseason poll.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/fVbBpK9LrUWUygCUnhgRYw/maxpreps-2012-preseason-xcellent-25-basketball-preview--no-8-whitney-young.htm|title=MaxPreps 2012 Preseason Xcellent 25 Basketball preview: No. 8 Whitney Young: Top-ranked 2014 prospect Jahlil Okafor expected to help Dolphins make big jump this winter.|access-date=November 15, 2012|date=November 10, 2012|publisher=]|last=Hickman |first=Jason|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202095957/http://www.maxpreps.com/news/fVbBpK9LrUWUygCUnhgRYw/maxpreps-2012-preseason-xcellent-25-basketball-preview--no-8-whitney-young.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Young entered the season ranked fourteenth in the nation according to ESPN.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/powerrankings?week=1&season=2012|title=ESPN 25 Power Rankings: Week: 1|access-date=December 3, 2012|date=November 25, 2012|publisher=]|last=Powers |first=Scott|archive-date=October 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021173137/http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/powerrankings?week=1&season=2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
On December 20 Okafor and Young lost in overtime to ]'s ESPN #1-ranked ]. Young was ranked #9 at the time.<ref name=CoPpb>{{cite web|url=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/dec/21/city-palms-prep-basketball-montverde-clips-chicago/?prepzone=1|title=City of Palms prep basketball: Montverde clips Chicago Whitney Young in OT|access-date=December 31, 2012|date=December 21, 2012|work=]| |
On December 20 Okafor and Young lost in overtime to ]'s ESPN #1-ranked ]. Young was ranked #9 at the time.<ref name=CoPpb>{{cite web|url=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/dec/21/city-palms-prep-basketball-montverde-clips-chicago/?prepzone=1|title=City of Palms prep basketball: Montverde clips Chicago Whitney Young in OT|access-date=December 31, 2012|date=December 21, 2012|work=]|last=Toohey, Ryan|archive-date=December 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223064336/http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/dec/21/city-palms-prep-basketball-montverde-clips-chicago/?prepzone=1|url-status=dead}}</ref> On January 19, Okafor led Young to an 85–52 victory over ] at the Hoophall Classic with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks.<ref>{{cite web |last=Borzello |first=Jeff |date=January 19, 2013 |title=Notebook: Jahlil Okafor stakes claim for No. 1 ranking |url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/21584052/notebook-jahlil-okafor-stakes-claim-for-no-1-ranking |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120034826/http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/21584052/notebook-jahlil-okafor-stakes-claim-for-no-1-ranking |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |access-date=January 26, 2013 |work=]}}</ref> The victory gave Young a 7–1 record against nationally ranked teams for the year, moving Young to #2 in the ''USA Today'' rankings as they prepared for the January 26 crosstown showdown against Simeon and Parker.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/01/25/boys-hoops-no-1-young-white-looking-out-for-no-2-simeon/|title=Boys hoops – No. 1 Young, White looking out for No. 2 Simeon|access-date=January 26, 2013|date=January 25, 2013|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=January 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127042508/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-01-25/sports/ct-spt-0126-prep-bkb-simeon-young-pvw-20130125_1_simeon-s-jabari-parker-jahlil-okafor-ausar-madison|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
In the Chicago Public High School League playoffs February 15 finals contest against ] Okafor tallied 19 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocked shots, including a game-saving block against ], in a 60–56 overtime Public League Championship game victory over Morgan Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-0216-prep-bkb-cps-final-20130215,0,4475843.story|title=Boys hoops – CPS final: Okafor, Young top Morgan Park in OT|access-date=February 16, 2013|date=February 15, 2013|work=]| |
In the Chicago Public High School League playoffs February 15 finals contest against ] Okafor tallied 19 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocked shots, including a game-saving block against ], in a 60–56 overtime Public League Championship game victory over Morgan Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-0216-prep-bkb-cps-final-20130215,0,4475843.story|title=Boys hoops – CPS final: Okafor, Young top Morgan Park in OT|access-date=February 16, 2013|date=February 15, 2013|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike}}</ref> | ||
Okafor was recognized as a 2013 All-Public League first team selection by the ''Chicago Sun-Times'' along with Nunn, Parker, Alexander and Billy Garrett |
Okafor was recognized as a 2013 All-Public League first team selection by the ''Chicago Sun-Times'' along with Nunn, Parker, Alexander and Billy Garrett Jr.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/18185508-419/simeons-jabari-parker-heads-the-2013-sun-times-all-public-league-team.html#|title=Simeon's Jabari Parker heads the 2013 Sun-Times All-Public League team|access-date=February 13, 2013|date=February 12, 2013|work=]|last=Travis, Clyde|archive-date=February 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216192312/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/18185508-419/simeons-jabari-parker-heads-the-2013-sun-times-all-public-league-team.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 28, he was named the ''Chicago Sun-Times'' Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/18537567-419/young-basketballs-jahlil-okafor-earns-sun-times-player-of-the-year.html|title=Young basketball's Jahlil Okafor earns Sun-Times Player of the Year|access-date=March 5, 2013|date=February 28, 2013|work=]|last=O'Brien, Michael|archive-date=November 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120132204/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/18537567-419/young-basketballs-jahlil-okafor-earns-sun-times-player-of-the-year.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 25, Okafor finished as runner-up in the ] voting to Parker by a 315–277-point margin, including a 43–40 first place vote margin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-0326-prep-bkb-gbk-mr-ms-basketball-announce-20130325,0,5510092.story|title=Mount Carmel's Buss, Simeon's Parker win Ms., Mr. Basketball|access-date=March 26, 2013|date=March 25, 2013|work=]|archive-date=March 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326054226/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-0326-prep-bkb-gbk-mr-ms-basketball-announce-20130325,0,5510092.story|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/high-school/post/_/id/3454|title=Jabari Parker repeats as Mr. Basketball|access-date=March 26, 2013|date=March 25, 2013|publisher=]|last=Powers, Scott|archive-date=March 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328033236/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/high-school/post/_/id/3454/jabari-parker-repeats-as-illinois-mr-basketball|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 17, he was a ] selection by '']'' along with Wiggins, ], Randle and Parker.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/videos/sports/preps/basketball/2013/04/17/2090989/|title=2013 All-USA Boys Basketball Team|access-date=April 29, 2013|date=April 17, 2013|work=]|archive-date=April 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418085759/http://www.usatoday.com/videos/sports/preps/basketball/2013/04/17/2090989/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the demise of '']'', HighSchoolHardwood.com undertook several honoraria selections. Although ] did not select him as a first team All-American,<ref>{{cite web |last=Hickman |first=Jason |date=April 11, 2013 |title=MaxPreps 2013 Boys Basketball All-American Team |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/bqRarSiJFkCjG8PM2lhOZA/maxpreps-2013-boys-basketball-all-american-team.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825170521/http://www.maxpreps.com/news/bqRarSiJFkCjG8PM2lhOZA/maxpreps-2013-boys-basketball-all-american-team.htm |archive-date=August 25, 2013 |access-date=July 1, 2013 |publisher=]}}</ref> they did select him as a ] along with ], ], Jones, and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/-Rh2v3nL1E2NGI47f2eEwg/maxpreps-2012-13-boys-basketball-junior-all-american-team.htm|title=MaxPreps 2012–13 Boys Basketball Junior All-American Team|access-date=July 1, 2013|date=April 16, 2013|publisher=]|last=Hickman |first=Jason|archive-date=August 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825165705/http://www.maxpreps.com/news/-Rh2v3nL1E2NGI47f2eEwg/maxpreps-2012-13-boys-basketball-junior-all-american-team.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Senior season=== | ===Senior season=== | ||
]]] | ]]] | ||
Following his time with Team USA, Okafor participated in the Nike Pro-Am Chi-League,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/20769489-419/anthony-davis-and-scottie-pippen-among-those-at-young-hs-for-debut-of-new-pro-am.html |
Following his time with Team USA, Okafor participated in the Nike Pro-Am Chi-League,<ref>{{cite web |last=McGavin |first=Patrick Z. |date=June 15, 2013 |title=Davis, Pippen among those at Young H.S. for debut of new pro-am basketball league |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/20769489-419/anthony-davis-and-scottie-pippen-among-those-at-young-hs-for-debut-of-new-pro-am.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001203201/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/20769489-419/anthony-davis-and-scottie-pippen-among-those-at-young-hs-for-debut-of-new-pro-am.html |archive-date=October 1, 2013 |access-date=July 23, 2013 |work=]}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.d1circuit.com/news_article/show/272046?referrer_id=790853|title=All-Peach Jam Teams|access-date=July 23, 2013|date=July 19, 2013|publisher=EYBL basketball coverage – D1 Circuit / Sport Ngin|archive-date=August 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820044058/http://www.d1circuit.com/news_article/show/272046?referrer_id=790853|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Adidas Nations event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/8/5/4592744/adidas-nations-2013-results-team-africa-team-usa-2015-red|title=Adidas Nations 2013 results: Trey Lyles leads Team USA Blue to championship|access-date=August 8, 2013|date=August 5, 2013|publisher=]|last=Woodburn, Peter|archive-date=August 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809134949/http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/8/5/4592744/adidas-nations-2013-results-team-africa-team-usa-2015-red|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his verbal commitment on ] to ] on November 15, jointly with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/9981739|title=Duke lands Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones|access-date=November 15, 2013|date=November 15, 2013|publisher=]|last=Finkelstein |first=Adam|archive-date=November 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116013535/http://espn.go.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/9981739/top-recruits-jahlil-okafor-tyus-jones-choose-duke-blue-devils|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to his senior season, '']'' named him to its 10-man preseason All-USA team along with Alexander, Stanley Johnson, Jones, ], Mudiay, ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Halley |first=Jim |last2=Jordan |first2=Jason |name-list-style=and |date=November 20, 2013 |title=2013 Preseason American Family Insurance ALL-USA Boys Basketball Team |url=http://www.usatodayhss.com/amfam/article/2013-preseason-all-usa-boys-basketball-team |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225859/http://www.usatodayhss.com/amfam/article/2013-preseason-all-usa-boys-basketball-team |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |work=]}}</ref> On November 21, Winslow committed to Duke, giving them the number one recruiting class in the nation with Jones, Okafor, Winslow and Grayson Allen all committed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Finkelstein |first=Adam |date=November 21, 2013 |title=Justise Winslow commits to Duke |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/10012625 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122073325/http://espn.go.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/10012625/justise-winslow-no-14-overall-prospect-commits-duke-blue-devils |archive-date=November 22, 2013 |access-date=November 22, 2013 |publisher=]}}</ref> Okafor was joined on the ''Chicago Tribune''{{'s}} preseason Illinois Mr. Basketball top 5 by Alexander, ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-1128-prep-bkb-season-pvw-top-5-mr-basketbal-20131127,0,3937170.story|title=Boys hoops – Top 5 Mr. Basketball candidates|access-date=December 13, 2013|date=November 27, 2013|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike}}</ref> | ||
Okafor dominated the December 27–30, Les Schwab Invitational hosted by ] by leading the tournament in scoring (31) and rebounding (12.5) and finished 2013 atop the three major recruiting databases (ESPN, Rivals and Scout).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/3893543324209200079/whitney-young-il-star-jahlil-okafor-dominates-at-les-schwab-invitational-video/ |
Okafor dominated the December 27–30, Les Schwab Invitational hosted by ] by leading the tournament in scoring (31) and rebounding (12.5) and finished 2013 atop the three major recruiting databases (ESPN, Rivals and Scout).<ref>{{cite web |last=Christopher |first=Pete |date=December 31, 2013 |title=Whitney Young star center Jahlil Okafor dominates at Les Schwab Invitational (video) |url=http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/3893543324209200079/whitney-young-il-star-jahlil-okafor-dominates-at-les-schwab-invitational-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101195234/http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/3893543324209200079/whitney-young-il-star-jahlil-okafor-dominates-at-les-schwab-invitational-video/ |archive-date=January 1, 2014 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |publisher=]}}</ref> Young went 2–2 in the tournament, losing to ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/8976511317589298717/rainier-beach-shines-down-the-stretch-defeats-whitney-young-and-jahlil-okafor-89-82-les-schwab-invitational-game-recap/#/0|title=Rainier Beach shines down the stretch, defeats Whitney Young and Jahlil Okafor 89–82 (Les Schwab Invitational game recap)|access-date=December 31, 2013|date=December 29, 2013|last=Daschel, Nick|publisher=]|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101204815/http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/8976511317589298717/rainier-beach-shines-down-the-stretch-defeats-whitney-young-and-jahlil-okafor-89-82-les-schwab-invitational-game-recap/#/0|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as losing to Oregon's defending Class 6A state champions ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/8093422282876454379/payton-pritchards-magical-bounce-gives-west-linn-an-upset-over-jahlil-okafor-led-whitney-young-les-schwab-invitational-game-recap/#/0|title=Payton Pritchard's magical bounce gives West Linn an upset over Jahlil Okafor-led Whitney Young (Les Schwab Invitational game recap)|access-date=December 31, 2013|date=December 30, 2013|last=Daschel, Nick|publisher=]|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101200015/http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/8093422282876454379/payton-pritchards-magical-bounce-gives-west-linn-an-upset-over-jahlil-okafor-led-whitney-young-les-schwab-invitational-game-recap/#/0|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 4 at the Cancer Research Classic in ], Okafor earned the tournament MVP based on a 24-point and nine-rebound performance against Mudiay's ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/594199/CRC--Whitney-Young-Rallies.html?nav=523|title=CRC: Whitney Young Rallies|access-date=January 7, 2014|date=January 5, 2014|work=]|last=Morrison, Dave|archive-date=January 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107184924/http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/594199/CRC--Whitney-Young-Rallies.html?nav=523|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Okafor and Young reached an anticipated city championship matchup with Curie and Alexander at the ]. Okafor had 16 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-jahlil-okafor-young-top-orr0220-prep-bkb-cps-20140219,0,4948991.story|title=Boys hoops – Young rallies to clip Orr|access-date=February 20, 2014|date=February 19, 2014|work=]| |
Okafor and Young reached an anticipated city championship matchup with Curie and Alexander at the ]. Okafor had 16 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-jahlil-okafor-young-top-orr0220-prep-bkb-cps-20140219,0,4948991.story|title=Boys hoops – Young rallies to clip Orr|access-date=February 20, 2014|date=February 19, 2014|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=February 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220073409/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-jahlil-okafor-young-top-orr0220-prep-bkb-cps-20140219,0,4948991.story|url-status=live}}</ref> Curie won the city championship 69–66 in quadruple overtime as Okafor had 16 points before fouling out with 2:13 remaining in regulation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-cps-final-whitney-young-curie-four-overtimes-0-20140221,0,1345717.story|title=Boys hoops – Public League final: Kamar Marshall's 3 gives Curie win in 4 OTs|access-date=February 22, 2014|date=February 21, 2014|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=March 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307131402/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-cps-final-whitney-young-curie-four-overtimes-0-20140221,0,1345717.story|url-status=live}}</ref> The CPL Championship game was attended by ] ] and was the lead story on the late edition of ].<ref name=JOCAgDKfeefny>{{cite magazine|url=http://college-basketball.si.com/2014/02/26/jahlil-okafor-cliff-alexander-duke-blue-devils-kansas-jayhawks/|title=Jahlil Okafor, Cliff Alexander give Duke, Kansas fans early excitement for next year|access-date=February 27, 2014|date=February 22, 2014|magazine=]|last=Johnson, Chris|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227075402/http://college-basketball.si.com/2014/02/26/jahlil-okafor-cliff-alexander-duke-blue-devils-kansas-jayhawks/|archive-date=February 27, 2014}}</ref> | ||
On March 14, Okafor posted 35 points and 13 rebounds in a 75–66 victory over ] (who featured Kentucky-bound ]), earning Young its first sectional title since 2009 and leaving them one victory away from the final four.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-jahlil-okafor-whitney-young-sectional-final-03-20140314,0,3625619.story|title=Jahlil Okafor, Young too much for St. Rita|access-date=March 15, 2014|date=March 14, 2014|work=]| |
On March 14, Okafor posted 35 points and 13 rebounds in a 75–66 victory over ] (who featured Kentucky-bound ]), earning Young its first sectional title since 2009 and leaving them one victory away from the final four.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-jahlil-okafor-whitney-young-sectional-final-03-20140314,0,3625619.story|title=Jahlil Okafor, Young too much for St. Rita|access-date=March 15, 2014|date=March 14, 2014|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=March 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315083814/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-jahlil-okafor-whitney-young-sectional-final-03-20140314,0,3625619.story|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 18, Okafor led Young to a 58–32 victory over ] with 12 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-0319-prep-bkb-4a-super-whitney-young-loyola-20140318,0,1602111.story|title=Size, shooting help Young dismantle Loyola|access-date=March 19, 2014|date=March 18, 2014|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=March 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319092433/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-0319-prep-bkb-4a-super-whitney-young-loyola-20140318,0,1602111.story|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 21 Okafor's 33 points and 14 rebounds enabled Young to overcome a record setting 56-point performance by Brunson with a 75–68 victory over ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-jalen-brunson-jahlil-okafor-young-stevenson-03-20140321,0,5006508.story|title=Stevenson's Brunson gets record, but Young, Okafor get victory|access-date=March 22, 2014|date=March 21, 2014|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=March 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322074823/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-jalen-brunson-jahlil-okafor-young-stevenson-03-20140321,0,5006508.story|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 22, Okafor and Young won the ] Class 4A state championship by defeating ] 46–44. Okafor only produced 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists as he battled ]-bound Sean O'Mara.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-whitney-young-wins-4a-title-0323-prep-bkb-4a-20140322,0,2920693.story|title=Young holds off Benet for 4A title|access-date=March 23, 2014|date=March 22, 2014|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=March 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323140343/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-whitney-young-wins-4a-title-0323-prep-bkb-4a-20140322,0,2920693.story|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
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Okafor earned co-MVP (with ]) of the April 2, 2014, McDonald's All-American Game after posting 17 points and 7 rebounds, including the go ahead dunk with fewer than 40 seconds remaining,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://college-basketball.si.com/2014/04/03/mcdonalds-all-american-game-jahlil-okafor-justin-jackson/|title=2014 McDonald's All-American game: Okafor, Jackson take home MVP honors|access-date=April 8, 2014|date=April 4, 2014|magazine=]| |
Okafor earned co-MVP (with ]) of the April 2, 2014, McDonald's All-American Game after posting 17 points and 7 rebounds, including the go ahead dunk with fewer than 40 seconds remaining,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://college-basketball.si.com/2014/04/03/mcdonalds-all-american-game-jahlil-okafor-justin-jackson/|title=2014 McDonald's All-American game: Okafor, Jackson take home MVP honors|access-date=April 8, 2014|date=April 4, 2014|magazine=]|last=Johnson, Chris|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408215136/http://college-basketball.si.com/2014/04/03/mcdonalds-all-american-game-jahlil-okafor-justin-jackson/|archive-date=April 8, 2014}}</ref> for the winning west team in a 105–102 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/03/jahlil-okafor-west-team-outlasts-east-in-mcdonalds-all-america-game/|title=Jahlil Okafor, West team outlast East in McDonald's All-America Game|access-date=April 3, 2014|date=April 3, 2014|publisher=]|last=Johnson, Raphielle|archive-date=April 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404093239/http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/03/jahlil-okafor-west-team-outlasts-east-in-mcdonalds-all-america-game/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 12, he posted a 14-point 10-rebound ] in an 84–73 Team USA Nike Hoops Summit victory over the world team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/12/duke-bound-trio-helps-lead-usa-to-nike-hoop-summit-victory/|title=Duke-bound trio helps lead USA to Nike Hoop Summit victory|access-date=April 13, 2014|date=April 12, 2014|publisher=]|last=Johnson, Raphielle|archive-date=April 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414021752/http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/12/duke-bound-trio-helps-lead-usa-to-nike-hoop-summit-victory/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 18 in the Jordan Brand Classic, he earned co-MVP with (Alexander) by posting 29 points and 9 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/18/chicago-duo-jahlil-okafor-cliff-alexander-earn-mvp-honors-as-east-beats-west-in-jordan-brand-classic/|title=Chicago duo Jahlil Okafor, Cliff Alexander earn MVP honors as East beats West in Jordan Brand Classic|access-date=April 19, 2014|date=April 18, 2014|publisher=]|last=Phillips, Scott|archive-date=April 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421172800/http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/18/chicago-duo-jahlil-okafor-cliff-alexander-earn-mvp-honors-as-east-beats-west-in-jordan-brand-classic/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/news-rumors/top-news/2014/04/jahlil-okafor-cliff-alexander-win-co-mvps-2014-jordan-classic/|title=Jahlil Okafor, Cliff Alexander Win Co-MVPs at 2014 Jordan Classic|access-date=April 19, 2014|date=April 18, 2014|work=]|archive-date=April 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419160924/http://www.slamonline.com/online/news-rumors/top-news/2014/04/jahlil-okafor-cliff-alexander-win-co-mvps-2014-jordan-classic/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Okafor was selected to the 10-man Team USA for the 17th annual ] on April 12, 2014, at the ]. He was also selected to the 24-player 37th annual April 2, ] at the ]. He was recognized as first team All-City along with teammate White, Alexander, Louis Adams |
Okafor was selected to the 10-man Team USA for the 17th annual ] on April 12, 2014, at the ]. He was also selected to the 24-player 37th annual April 2, ] at the ]. He was recognized as first team All-City along with teammate White, Alexander, Louis Adams Jr. of Orr, and Luwane Pipkins of ] by the ''Chicago Sun-Times''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highschoolcubenews.com/news_article/show/349734?referrer_id=694555|title=Jahlil Okafor, Cliff Alexander lead All-City Team|access-date=February 17, 2014|date=February 13, 2014|last=Travis, Clyde|work=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223103542/http://www.highschoolcubenews.com/news_article/show/349734?referrer_id=694555|archive-date=February 23, 2014}}</ref> On February 18, he became one of three finalists for the ] along with Alexander and Stanley Johnson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naismithawards.com/PressBox/ArticleView/tabid/209/ArticleId/9/Naismith-Trophy-High-School-Player-of-the-Year-Finalists.aspx|title=Naismith Trophy High School Player of the Year Finalists|access-date=February 20, 2014|date=February 18, 2014|publisher=NaismithAwards.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225054835/http://www.naismithawards.com/PressBox/ArticleView/tabid/209/ArticleId/9/Naismith-Trophy-High-School-Player-of-the-Year-Finalists.aspx|archive-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> | ||
He was selected as the 2014 National Player of the Year from among the 20 ].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://parade.condenast.com/270860/brianmclaughlin/jahlil-okafor-of-chicago-is-parades-2014-boys-basketball-player-of-the-year/|title=Jahlil Okafor of Chicago Is Parade's 2014 Boys Basketball Player of the Year|access-date=March 15, 2014|date=March 14, 2014|magazine=]| |
He was selected as the 2014 National Player of the Year from among the 20 ].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://parade.condenast.com/270860/brianmclaughlin/jahlil-okafor-of-chicago-is-parades-2014-boys-basketball-player-of-the-year/|title=Jahlil Okafor of Chicago Is Parade's 2014 Boys Basketball Player of the Year|access-date=March 15, 2014|date=March 14, 2014|magazine=]|last=McLaughlin, Brian|archive-date=March 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315052856/http://parade.condenast.com/270860/brianmclaughlin/jahlil-okafor-of-chicago-is-parades-2014-boys-basketball-player-of-the-year/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also recognized by the ] organization as its 2014 Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year.<ref name=YOnnpoy>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-whitney-youngs-jahlil-okafor-morgan-wootten-mcdonalds-national-player-of-the-year-20140325,0,6563876.story|title=Young's Okafor named national player of year|access-date=March 25, 2014|date=March 25, 2014|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=March 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325223353/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-whitney-youngs-jahlil-okafor-morgan-wootten-mcdonalds-national-player-of-the-year-20140325,0,6563876.story|url-status=live}}</ref> '']'' recognized Okafor as its ] when naming its ] along with Alexander, Oubre, Mudiay, and Stanley Johnson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatodayhss.com/amfam/article/american-family-insurance-all-usa-boys-basketball-team|title=2014 American Family Insurance ALL-USA Boys Basketball Team|access-date=April 11, 2014|date=April 8, 2014|work=]|last=Halley, Jim|archive-date=April 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412115601/http://www.usatodayhss.com/amfam/article/american-family-insurance-all-usa-boys-basketball-team|url-status=live}}</ref> Okafor beat Alexander in the ] voting by a 492–402 vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/03/29/2014-mr-basketball-of-illinois-voting/|title=2014 Mr. Basketball of Illinois voting|access-date=April 2, 2014|date=March 29, 2014|work=]|archive-date=April 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402063601/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-03-29/sports/chi-2014-mr-basketball-voting-20140329_1_illinois-voting-plainfield-east-morgan-park|url-status=live}}</ref> He earned first team All-American recognition from ] on April 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/YZXgDvw6E0-Y0hMo_caY3w/maxpreps-2013-14-boys-basketball-all-american-team.htm|title=MaxPreps 2013–14 Boys Basketball All-American Team|access-date=April 20, 2014|date=April 19, 2014|publisher=]|last=Hickman |first=Jason|archive-date=April 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420020451/http://www.maxpreps.com/news/YZXgDvw6E0-Y0hMo_caY3w/maxpreps-2013-14-boys-basketball-all-american-team.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Okafor was named the 2013–14 ''Chicago Tribune''/] Athlete of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-06-21/sports/ct-spt-0622-prep-athlete-of-the-year-jahlil-okafor-20140621_1_jahlil-okafor-all-american-game-young-coach-tyrone-slaughter|title=2013–14 Tribune/WGN Ch. 9 Athlete of the Year|access-date=June 23, 2014|date=June 21, 2014|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=June 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622170705/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-06-21/sports/ct-spt-0622-prep-athlete-of-the-year-jahlil-okafor-20140621_1_jahlil-okafor-all-american-game-young-coach-tyrone-slaughter|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
===Rankings=== | ===Rankings=== | ||
] basket, which was against ] in the 2014 championship game]] | ] basket, which was against ] in the 2014 championship game]] | ||
In 2011, center ] was named National Freshman of the Year by '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
In 2011, center ] was named National Freshman of the Year by '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/high-school/boys-basketball/story/_/id/7793355|title=All-time underclass POYs: Class players of the year among juniors, sophomores and freshmen since 1970|access-date=July 5, 2012|date=May 18, 2011|work=]|last=Flores |first=Ronnie|archive-date=April 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427010320/http://espn.go.com/high-school/boys-basketball/story/_/id/7793355/all-time-underclass-poys|url-status=live}}</ref> In the following months, Okafor beat out Johnson for a spot on the 2011 ] Team USA.<ref>{{cite web |last=Telep |first=Dave |date=July 1, 2011 |title=Ten storylines to look for in July |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=6728884 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903180717/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=6728884 |archive-date=September 3, 2011 |access-date=July 8, 2012 |publisher=]}}</ref> Okafor spent his sophomore season ranked as the number one center and second best player in the national class of 2014 by ''SLAM Magazine'' behind ], according to SLAM's Franklyn Calle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2011/09/slam-fresh-10-2014/|title=SLAM Fresh 10 – 2014: Next in line.|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=September 13, 2011|work=]|last=Calle |first=Franklyn|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505080311/http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2011/09/slam-fresh-10-2014/|archive-date=May 5, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2012/01/2014-slam-fresh-10-2014/|title=SLAM Fresh 10 – 2014: Check out who got next.|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=January 23, 2011|work=]|last=Calle |first=Franklyn|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505080118/http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2012/01/2014-slam-fresh-10-2014/|archive-date=May 5, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2012/05/slam-fresh-25-2014/|title=SLAM Fresh 25-2014: Approaching on the horizon.|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=May 30, 2011|work=]|last=Calle |first=Franklyn|archive-date=July 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702112825/http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2012/05/slam-fresh-25-2014/|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2012 during his sophomore season, he was ranked third in the class by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/2164|title=Gonzaga College rolls past Whitney Young|access-date=July 5, 2012|date=January 8, 2012|work=]|last=Jordan |first=Jason|archive-date=February 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228172208/http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/2164/gonzaga-college-rolls-past-whitney-young|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Grimala |first=Mike |date=January 9, 2012 |title=Stock Watch: Nunn, Okafor come through in prime time |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/high-school/illinois/post/_/id/403/stock-watch-nunn-okafor-come-through-in-prime-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211173853/http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/illinois/post/_/id/403/stock-watch-nunn-okafor-come-through-in-prime-time |archive-date=December 11, 2013 |access-date=July 5, 2012 |work=]}}</ref> By April, he was ranked second.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/high-school/boys-b=Calle,asketball/post/_/id/4801|title=AAU notebook: NCAA coaches inspire|access-date=July 5, 2012|date=April 30, 2012|work=]|last=Jordan |first=Jason|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623171131/http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/4801/quick-shots-college-coaches-prompt-hard-play|url-status=live}}</ref> By the end of his second year, there was talk that with Jabari Parker Chicago might produce the number one high school player in the country in back to back years, something that they had come close to with ] and ] in the late 1970s.<ref name=CWYObN1p>{{cite web|url=http://www.csnchicago.com/preps/news/Could-Whitney-Youngs-Okafor-be-No-1-prep?blockID=713968|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121053748/http://www.csnchicago.com/preps/news/Could-Whitney-Youngs-Okafor-be-No-1-prep?blockID=713968|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 21, 2013|title=Could Whitney Young's Okafor be No. 1 prep player for 2014?|access-date=July 5, 2012|date=May 25, 2012|publisher=]|last=Bell, Taylor}}</ref> Also in the ] Aguirre and Thomas were selected ] and second, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/draft_round1_1980s.html#1981|title=Complete First Round Results – 1980–89: 1981|website=]|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321192607/http://www.nba.com/history/draft_round1_1980s.html#1981|archive-date=March 21, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 25, 2012, ] announced that he was ] into the class of 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/8551419|title=Andrew Wiggins in Class of 2013|access-date=October 26, 2012|date=October 25, 2012|publisher=]|last=Telep, Dave|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025234031/http://espn.go.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/8551419/andrew-wiggins-reclassifies-class-2013-new-no-1-recruit|url-status=live}}</ref> which cleared the way for Okafor to assume the number one ranking in the ] ranking for the class of 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://georgiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1427985|title=Mailbag: Could Wiggins play in the pros?|access-date=November 25, 2012|date=October 27, 2012|publisher=]|last=Bossi, Eric|archive-date=December 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211190100/http://georgiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1427985|url-status=live}}</ref> As of November 2012, he was listed number one in the national class of 2014 by Rivals.com and number two by ESPN.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rayno |first=Amelia |date=November 6, 2012 |title=Tyus Jones on Minnesota: "They've been there since the beginning of it all ... that's why they're still one of my final schools." |url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/177579081.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110101845/http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/177579081.html |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |access-date=November 22, 2012 |work=]}}</ref> He remained number one according to Rivals with its March 14, 2013 rankings update, following his junior season.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/highschool/news/20130318/2014-rivals-150/?sct=obinsite|title=Jahlil Okafor is still the player to watch in the new 2014 Rivals150|access-date=March 23, 2013|date=March 18, 2013|magazine=]|last=Bossi, Eric|archive-date=December 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211163923/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/highschool/news/20130318/2014-rivals-150/?sct=obinsite|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
{{College athlete recruit start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2014}} | {{College athlete recruit start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2014}} | ||
Line 146: | Line 148: | ||
| recruit = Jahlil Okafor | | recruit = Jahlil Okafor | ||
| position = ] | | position = ] | ||
| hometown = Chicago | | hometown = ] | ||
| highschool = ] (IL) | | highschool = ] (IL) | ||
| feet = 6 | | feet = 6 | ||
Line 175: | Line 177: | ||
==College career== | ==College career== | ||
Okafor played one season of ] for ]. He was selected as Preseason Player of the Year by ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24741976/jahlil-okafor----cbssportscoms-preseason-player-of-the-year |
Okafor played one season of ] for ]. He was selected as Preseason Player of the Year by ],<ref>{{cite web |last=Parrish |first=Gary |date=October 7, 2014 |title=Jahlil Okafor – CBSSports.com's Preseason Player of the Year |url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24741976/jahlil-okafor----cbssportscoms-preseason-player-of-the-year |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022203922/http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24741976/jahlil-okafor----cbssportscoms-preseason-player-of-the-year |archive-date=October 22, 2014 |access-date=October 23, 2014 |publisher=]}}</ref> ],<ref name="CBT2PAT">{{cite web |last=Dauster |first=Rob |date=November 3, 2014 |title=College Basketball Talk's 2014–2015 Preseason All-American Teams |url=http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/03/college-basketball-talks-2014-2015-preseason-all-american-teams/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104003646/http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/03/college-basketball-talks-2014-2015-preseason-all-american-teams/ |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |publisher=]}}</ref> ],<ref name="TPA">{{cite web |last=Rutherford |first=Mike |date=November 13, 2014 |title=The Preseason All-Americans |url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2014/11/13/7213733/preseason-all-americans-2014-jahlil-okafor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115171712/http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2014/11/13/7213733/preseason-all-americans-2014-jahlil-okafor |archive-date=November 15, 2014 |access-date=November 13, 2014 |publisher=]}}</ref> and ESPN analyst ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fraschilla |first=Fran |author-link1=Fran Fraschilla |last2=Greenberg |first2=Seth |author-link2=Seth Greenberg |name-list-style=and |date=October 29, 2014 |title=Player of the Year picks for 2014–15 |url=https://insider.espn.com/blog/ncbexperts/post?id=3094&addata=2009_insdr_mod_ncb_xxx_xxx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106035352/http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/ncbexperts/post?id=3094&addata=2009_insdr_mod_ncb_xxx_xxx |archive-date=November 6, 2014 |access-date=November 3, 2014 |publisher=]}}</ref> Okafor was a Preseason All-American first team selection by '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2014/11/12/usa-today-sports-2014-15-college-basketball-all-american-team/18859879/|title=USA TODAY Sports' 2014–15 preseason college basketball All-American team|access-date=November 13, 2014|date=November 12, 2014|work=]|archive-date=November 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113174705/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2014/11/12/usa-today-sports-2014-15-college-basketball-all-american-team/18859879/|url-status=live}}</ref> CBSSports.com,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24741626/cbssportscom-2014-15-preseason-all-america-basketball-teams|title=CBSSports.com 2014–15 Preseason All-America basketball teams|access-date=October 23, 2014|date=October 7, 2014|work=]|last=Parrish, Gary|archive-date=October 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023214649/http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24741626/cbssportscom-2014-15-preseason-all-america-basketball-teams|url-status=dead}}</ref> NBCSports.com,<ref name=CBT2PAT/> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/athlon-sports-2014-15-college-basketball-all-america-team|title=Athlon Sports' 2014–15 College Basketball All-America Team|access-date=December 10, 2014|date=November 10, 2014|publisher=]|last=Fox, David|archive-date=December 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210024448/http://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/athlon-sports-2014-15-college-basketball-all-america-team|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2265526-brs-2014-15-preaseason-college-basketball-all-american-picks|title=B/R's 2014–15 Preseason College Basketball All-American Picks|access-date=December 10, 2014|date=November 13, 2014|website=]|last=Moore, C. J.|archive-date=December 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226113103/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2265526-brs-2014-15-preaseason-college-basketball-all-american-picks|url-status=live}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2014-11-04/2014-15-all-americans-sporting-news-harrison-paige-okafor-harrell-dawson/|title=Sporting News' 2014–15 preseason All-Americans|access-date=November 5, 2014|date=November 5, 2014|work=]|last=DeCourcy, Mike|archive-date=November 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105194554/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2014-11-04/2014-15-all-americans-sporting-news-harrison-paige-okafor-harrell-dawson/|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref name=TPA/> '']'',<ref name="MPJOlSpAt">{{cite magazine |date=November 12, 2014 |title=Marcus Paige, Jahlil Okafor lead SI's preseason All-America team |url=https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/11/12/si-all-america-team-marcus-paige-jahlil-okafor |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126111748/http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/11/12/si-all-america-team-marcus-paige-jahlil-okafor |archive-date=November 26, 2014 |access-date=November 13, 2014 |magazine=]}}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11814949|title=AP reveals preseason All-Americans|access-date=November 3, 2014|date=November 3, 2014|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=November 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103223728/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11814949/marcus-paige-jahlil-okafor-montrezl-harrell-head-ap-preseason-team|url-status=live}}</ref> In its preseason top 100 player ranking, Okafor was listed at number 3 by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11819884|title=College Hoops Rankings: 10–1|access-date=November 5, 2014|date=November 5, 2014|publisher=]|archive-date=November 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106042543/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11819884/2014-college-basketball-player-rankings-10-1|url-status=live}}</ref> For the ], the conference media selected him as the ACC Preseason Rookie of the Year and as a Preseason All-ACC Team selection. He finished second in the conference Preseason Player of the Year voting to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/operation-basketball-media-selects-201415-preseason-poll-and-awards-2014-10-29|title=Paige voted Preseason Player of Year; Okafor tabbed for Rookie honor|access-date=October 30, 2014|date=October 29, 2014|publisher=]|archive-date=June 16, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616025510/http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/operation-basketball-media-selects-201415-preseason-poll-and-awards-2014-10-29|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also listed as a ] Preseason Top 50 candidate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11891338|title=Wooden Top 50 watch list unveiled|access-date=November 18, 2014|date=November 17, 2014|publisher=]|archive-date=November 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118030520/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11891338/jahlil-okafor-frank-kaminsky-anchor-wooden-award-preseason-top-50-watch-list|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also named to the ] and ] Watch Lists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=209781317|title=Three Blue Devils Named to USBWA Watchlists|access-date=November 25, 2014|date=November 24, 2014|publisher=]|website=GoDuke.com|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129155439/http://www.goduke.com//ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=209781317|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Okafor opened the season as ACC Freshman of the Week on November 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/acc-mens-basketball-players-of-the-week-announced-11-17-2014|title=Louisville's Harrell, Duke's Okafor claim first honors of 2014–15 season|access-date=November 18, 2014|date=November 17, 2014|publisher=]|website=TheACC.com|archive-date=June 16, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616025510/http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/acc-mens-basketball-players-of-the-week-announced-11-17-2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In his first three games he shot 25-for-30 on his ] attempts.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
Okafor opened the season as ACC Freshman of the Week on November 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/acc-mens-basketball-players-of-the-week-announced-11-17-2014|title=Louisville's Harrell, Duke's Okafor claim first honors of 2014–15 season|access-date=November 18, 2014|date=November 17, 2014|publisher=]|website=TheACC.com|archive-date=June 16, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616025510/http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/acc-mens-basketball-players-of-the-week-announced-11-17-2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In his first three games he shot 25-for-30 on his ] attempts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400587768|title=(19) Michigan State 71 (1–1, 1–0 away); (4) Duke 81 (3–0, 2–0 home)|access-date=December 1, 2014|date=November 18, 2014|publisher=]|archive-date=December 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207034711/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=400587768|url-status=live}}</ref> He was again named ACC Freshman of the Week on November 24 and December 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/miamis-rodriguez-dukes-okafor-honored-as-acc-mens-basketball-players-of-the-week-11-24-2014|title=Miami's Rodriguez, Duke's Okafor Honored as ACC Men's Basketball Players of the Week|access-date=November 25, 2014|date=November 18, 2014|publisher=]|website=TheACC.com|archive-date=June 16, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616025510/http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/miamis-rodriguez-dukes-okafor-honored-as-acc-mens-basketball-players-of-the-week-11-24-2014|url-status=live}}</ref> He had his first two 20-point performances in the ] with 24 points against ] on November 26 and 21 against ] on November 30.<ref name=MMnPoW>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/acc-basketball-players-of-the-week-announced-12-01-2014|title=Miami's McClellan named Player of Week; Duke's Okafor again top freshman|access-date=December 1, 2014|date=December 1, 2014|publisher=]|website=TheACC.com|archive-date=June 16, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616025510/http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/acc-basketball-players-of-the-week-announced-12-01-2014|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 15 with a 25-point and 20-rebound performance against ], Okafor became the first Duke freshman to record 20 rebounds in a game and the second ACC freshman to record 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game, joining ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400587849|title=No. 2 Duke leans on Jahlil Okafor for 25 points, 20 rebounds in win|access-date=December 16, 2014|date=December 15, 2014|agency=]|publisher=]|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216093820/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400587849|url-status=live}}</ref> The performance earned Okafor his fourth ACC Rookie of the Week Award and first Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Week recognitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/news/acc-basketball-players-of-the-week-announced-12-22-2014|title=Louisville's Rozier, Duke's Okafor recognized|access-date=December 23, 2014|date=December 22, 2014|publisher=]|website=TheACC.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609214946/http://www.theacc.com/news/acc-basketball-players-of-the-week-announced-12-22-2014|archive-date=June 9, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> He then scored a season-high 28 points against ] on January 3,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400587897|title=Jahlil Okafor scores 28 as No. 2 Duke routs BC by 23|access-date=January 6, 2015|date=January 3, 2015|agency=]|publisher=]|archive-date=January 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106074312/http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400587897|url-status=live}}</ref> earning his fifth ACC Rookie of the Week, first ACC Player of the Week, and second Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Week recognition the following day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=209835181|title=Okafor Named ACC Player & Freshman of the Week|access-date=January 6, 2015|date=January 5, 2015|publisher=]|website=GoDuke.com|archive-date=January 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106070446/http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=209835181|url-status=live}}</ref> He was again ACC Rookie of the Week on January 12 and 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=209846332|title=Okafor Tabbed ACC Rookie of the Week|access-date=January 13, 2015|date=January 12, 2015|publisher=]|website=GoDuke.com|archive-date=January 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113053617/http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=209846332|url-status=live}}</ref> He was named to the John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 list on January 14.<ref>{{cite web |last=Medcalf |first=Myron |date=January 14, 2015 |title=Wooden Top 25 watch list unveiled |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12166531 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116004347/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12166531/five-freshmen-wooden-award-midseason-top-25 |archive-date=January 16, 2015 |access-date=January 16, 2015 |publisher=]}}</ref> After sitting out a game due to an ankle injury, Okafor posted a career-high 30 points in an overtime win against ] on February 25.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400588002|title=Okafor's 30 points lead No. 4 Duke past Virginia Tech, 91–86|access-date=February 26, 2015|date=February 25, 2015|agency=]|publisher=]|archive-date=February 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226075438/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400588002|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Following the season, Okafor was named ] by both the ACC coaches and media and ACC Freshman of the year. He was the first freshman to win ACC Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/news/dukes-jahlil-okafor-coaches-choice-as-acc-player-freshman-of-the-year-03-09-2015|title=Duke's Jahlil Okafor Coaches' Choice as ACC Player, Freshman of the Year|access-date=March 10, 2015|date=March 10, 2015|publisher=]|website=TheACC.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403014641/http://www.theacc.com/news/dukes-jahlil-okafor-coaches-choice-as-acc-player-freshman-of-the-year-03-09-2015|archive-date=April 3, 2015}}</ref> He was also a first team All-ACC selection and among the first trio to be selected to the All-ACC Freshman first team (along with Jones and Winslow).<ref name=ACN2AT>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/news/accmbb-coaches-name-2015-all-acc-team-03-09-2015|title=ACCMBB Coaches Name 2015 All-ACC Team|access-date=March 10, 2015|date=March 10, 2015|publisher=]|website=TheACC.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314191930/http://www.theacc.com/news/accmbb-coaches-name-2015-all-acc-team-03-09-2015|archive-date=March 14, 2015}}</ref> He was named ] and the 2015 USBWA Freshman All-America Team by the ] (USBWA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2015/tisdale150317.html|title=Duke's Okafor Wins Integris Wayman Tisdale Award|access-date=March 18, 2015|date=March 17, 2015|publisher=]|archive-date=March 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322112542/http://sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2015/tisdale150317.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Okafor was a unanimous ] first-team selection by ''The Sporting News'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4638000-sporting-news-all-americans-college-basketball-2014-2015-consensus|title=Sporting News' 2014–15 college basketball All-Americans|access-date=March 18, 2015|date=March 6, 2015|work=]| |
Following the season, Okafor was named ] by both the ACC coaches and media and ACC Freshman of the year. He was the first freshman to win ACC Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/news/dukes-jahlil-okafor-coaches-choice-as-acc-player-freshman-of-the-year-03-09-2015|title=Duke's Jahlil Okafor Coaches' Choice as ACC Player, Freshman of the Year|access-date=March 10, 2015|date=March 10, 2015|publisher=]|website=TheACC.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403014641/http://www.theacc.com/news/dukes-jahlil-okafor-coaches-choice-as-acc-player-freshman-of-the-year-03-09-2015|archive-date=April 3, 2015}}</ref> He was also a first team All-ACC selection and among the first trio to be selected to the All-ACC Freshman first team (along with Jones and Winslow).<ref name=ACN2AT>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/news/accmbb-coaches-name-2015-all-acc-team-03-09-2015|title=ACCMBB Coaches Name 2015 All-ACC Team|access-date=March 10, 2015|date=March 10, 2015|publisher=]|website=TheACC.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314191930/http://www.theacc.com/news/accmbb-coaches-name-2015-all-acc-team-03-09-2015|archive-date=March 14, 2015}}</ref> He was named ] and the 2015 USBWA Freshman All-America Team by the ] (USBWA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2015/tisdale150317.html|title=Duke's Okafor Wins Integris Wayman Tisdale Award|access-date=March 18, 2015|date=March 17, 2015|publisher=]|archive-date=March 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322112542/http://sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2015/tisdale150317.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Okafor was a unanimous ] first-team selection by ''The Sporting News'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4638000-sporting-news-all-americans-college-basketball-2014-2015-consensus|title=Sporting News' 2014–15 college basketball All-Americans|access-date=March 18, 2015|date=March 6, 2015|work=]|last=Fagan |first=Ryan|archive-date=March 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316062924/http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4638000-sporting-news-all-americans-college-basketball-2014-2015-consensus|url-status=live}}</ref> USBWA,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2015/allamerica150316.html|title=USBWA Names 2014–15 All-Americans|access-date=March 18, 2015|date=March 16, 2015|publisher=]|archive-date=March 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318225003/http://sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2015/allamerica150316.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209991498&DB_OEM_ID=10410 |title=Niang, Hield Earn NABC All-America Honors |publisher=] |date=March 30, 2015 |access-date=March 30, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402140652/http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209991498&DB_OEM_ID=10410 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Associated Press.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/30/the-ap-released-their-all-american-teams-on-monday/ |title=The AP released their All-American teams on Monday |publisher=NBCSports.com |date=March 30, 2015 |access-date=March 30, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402052609/http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/30/the-ap-released-their-all-american-teams-on-monday/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He contributed to a national championship with 10 points, including 2 key baskets in the final minutes,<ref>{{cite web |last=Brennan |first=Eamonn |date=April 6, 2015 |title=Five observations: Duke stops Wisconsin, wins Coach K's fifth national title |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/106829 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407043432/http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/106829/five-observations-duke-stops-wisconsin-wins-coach-ks-fifth-national-title |archive-date=April 7, 2015 |access-date=April 7, 2015 |publisher=]}}</ref> in the ] of the ], despite spending much of the game in foul trouble while defending ] of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400788981|title=Comeback! Duke drops Wisconsin to capture national title No. 5|access-date=April 7, 2015|date=April 6, 2015|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407043427/http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400788981|url-status=live}}</ref> Okafor finished as runner-up to Kaminsky in the John R. Wooden Award voting (3385–3060).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12665673|title=Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky, UConn's Breanna Stewart win Wooden awards|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=April 11, 2015|publisher=]|archive-date=April 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412175630/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12665673/frank-kaminsky-wisconsin-badgers-breanna-stewart-connecticut-huskies-win-wooden-award|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 9, Okafor declared for the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2015/story/_/id/12656495|title=Duke's Jahlil Okafor declares for draft|access-date=April 9, 2015|date=April 9, 2015|publisher=]|archive-date=April 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410173652/http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2015/story/_/id/12656495/jahlil-okafor-join-elite-duke-blue-devi-list-one-dones|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Professional career== | ==Professional career== | ||
Line 185: | Line 187: | ||
====2015–16 season==== | ====2015–16 season==== | ||
] | ] | ||
On June 25, 2015, Okafor was selected with the third overall pick in the ] by the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/150625-draft-release|title=Philadelphia 76ers Select Jahlil Okafor, Richaun Holmes, Arturas Gudaitis, J.P. Tokoto, And Luka Mitrovic In The 2015 NBA Draft|date=June 26, 2015|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 26, 2015|archive-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506173422/http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/150625-draft-release|url-status=live}}</ref> After debuting with a 20-point ] performance on July 6, Okafor signed a two-year contract with the 76ers on July 7, with team options for two additional seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/150608-okafor-signed |
On June 25, 2015, Okafor was selected with the third overall pick in the ] by the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/150625-draft-release|title=Philadelphia 76ers Select Jahlil Okafor, Richaun Holmes, Arturas Gudaitis, J.P. Tokoto, And Luka Mitrovic In The 2015 NBA Draft|date=June 26, 2015|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 26, 2015|archive-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506173422/http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/150625-draft-release|url-status=live}}</ref> After debuting with a 20-point ] performance on July 6, Okafor signed a two-year contract with the 76ers on July 7, with team options for two additional seasons.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 7, 2015 |title=Sixers Sign Jahlil Okafor |url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/150608-okafor-signed |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710040328/http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/150608-okafor-signed |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |access-date=July 7, 2015 |work=NBA.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csnphilly.com/basketball-philadelphia-76ers/sixers-sign-jahlil-okafor-his-1st-nba-contract|title=Sixers sign Jahlil Okafor to his 1st NBA contract|access-date=July 8, 2015|date=July 7, 2015|publisher=]|archive-date=July 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710043312/http://www.csnphilly.com/basketball-philadelphia-76ers/sixers-sign-jahlil-okafor-his-1st-nba-contract|url-status=live}}</ref> He debuted for the 76ers, logging 26 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, against the ] on October 28.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400827892|title=Thomas leads Celtics to 112-95 season-opening win over 76ers|access-date=October 29, 2015|date=October 28, 2015|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=October 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030034551/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400827892|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=JOdg7pcfteb>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4659603-sixers-76ers-tank-rebuild-sam-hinkie-jahlil-okafor-philadelphia-nba-draft-lottery-nerlens-noel|title=Jahlil Okafor's debut gives 76ers' 'process' clearer focus than ever before|access-date=October 30, 2015|date=October 29, 2015|work=]|last=Deveney, Sean|archive-date=October 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031192952/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4659603-sixers-76ers-tank-rebuild-sam-hinkie-jahlil-okafor-philadelphia-nba-draft-lottery-nerlens-noel|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151029_Sixers__Jahlil_Okafor_Era_begins.html|title=Sixers' Jahlil Okafor Era begins|access-date=October 30, 2015|date=October 29, 2015|publisher=]|last=Hayes, Marcus|archive-date=October 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030001816/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151029_Sixers__Jahlil_Okafor_Era_begins.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 9, he posted his first career double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds against his hometown ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400827987|title=Bulls pull away in 2nd half, top winless 76ers 111-88|access-date=November 12, 2015|date=November 9, 2015|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=November 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112112105/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400827987|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
After the 76ers got off to an 0–16 start to the season, Okafor was involved in a street fight with taunting individuals on November 25 in ].<ref>{{cite web| |
After the 76ers got off to an 0–16 start to the season, Okafor was involved in a street fight with taunting individuals on November 25 in ].<ref>{{cite web |date=November 26, 2015 |others=Contributed by Marc Stein and The Associated Press |title=76ers rookie Jahlil Okafor involved in Boston street fight |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14232109 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126221955/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14232109/phildelphia-76ers-rookie-jahlil-okafor-involved-boston-street-fight |archive-date=November 26, 2015 |access-date=November 26, 2015 |publisher=]}}</ref> On November 30, with additional reports surfacing that Okafor had been involved in various controversial and dangerous off-the-court situations, the 76ers agreed to a request to assign a security guard to accompany Okafor in public.<ref>{{cite web |last=Broussard |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Broussard |date=December 1, 2015 |title=Sources: Jahlil Okafor to now be accompanied by security guard |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14263285 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201094840/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14263285/jahlil-okafor-philadelphia-76ers-accompanied-security-guard |archive-date=December 1, 2015 |access-date=December 2, 2015 |publisher=]}}</ref> On December 1, Okafor and the 76ers defeated the ] 103–91. The win ended the longest losing streak in the history of major professional sports in the United States (28 games going back to the prior season) and the worst start in NBA history (tied with the ] at 0–18).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828150|title=76ers stop record skid with win over Lakers in Kobe's final game in hometown|access-date=December 2, 2015|date=December 1, 2015|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=December 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202140248/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828150|url-status=live}}</ref> The next day, video surfaced on TMZ of a second fight in Boston from November.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/76ers--jahlil-okafor-allegedly-got-in-a-second-fight-in-boston--and-there-s-video-190952697.html|title=76ers suspend Jahlil Okafor after he was allegedly involved in second Boston fight (Video)|access-date=December 3, 2015|date=December 2, 2015|work=]|last=Devine, Dan|archive-date=December 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206093803/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/76ers--jahlil-okafor-allegedly-got-in-a-second-fight-in-boston--and-there-s-video-190952697.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Okafor was subsequently suspended by the 76ers for two games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/sixers-hand-okafor-two-game-suspension|title=Sixers Hand Okafor Two Game Suspension|access-date=December 2, 2015|date=December 2, 2015|website=]|archive-date=December 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203052338/http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/sixers-hand-okafor-two-game-suspension|url-status=live}}</ref> He returned from suspension against the ] on December 7, recording 10 points and 4 rebounds off the bench in a 119–68 defeat.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gelston |first=Dan |date=December 7, 2015 |title=Spurs rest starters, still romp 119-68 past hapless 76ers |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151207/SASPHI/gameinfo.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112212321/http://www.nba.com/games/20151207/SASPHI/gameinfo.html |archive-date=January 12, 2016 |access-date=December 7, 2015 |website=]}}</ref> On January 27, 2016, he was named to the ] weekend ] lineup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2016/news/01/27/bbva-rising-stars-roster-released-andrew-wiggins-kristaps-porzingis-karl-anthony-towns-jahlil-okafor/index.html|title=Wiggins, Porzingis among players in BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge|access-date=February 8, 2016|date=January 27, 2016|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129110638/http://www.nba.com/2016/news/01/27/bbva-rising-stars-roster-released-andrew-wiggins-kristaps-porzingis-karl-anthony-towns-jahlil-okafor/index.html|archive-date=January 29, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
In February, the 76ers had Okafor and ] swap positions as Okafor moved from ] to ]. On February 6, he recorded 22 points and a season-high 17 rebounds in a 103–98 win over the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/76ers-jahlil-okafor-collects-career-high-17-boards-in-win/|title=76ers' Jahlil Okafor: Collects career-high 17 boards in win|access-date=February 8, 2016|date=February 6, 2016|work=]|archive-date=February 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225173452/http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/76ers-jahlil-okafor-collects-career-high-17-boards-in-win/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160207_Sixers_close_strong_to_defeat_Nets.html|title=Sixers close strong to defeat Nets|access-date=February 8, 2016|date=February 7, 2016|website=]| |
In February, the 76ers had Okafor and ] swap positions as Okafor moved from ] to ]. On February 6, he recorded 22 points and a season-high 17 rebounds in a 103–98 win over the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/76ers-jahlil-okafor-collects-career-high-17-boards-in-win/|title=76ers' Jahlil Okafor: Collects career-high 17 boards in win|access-date=February 8, 2016|date=February 6, 2016|work=]|archive-date=February 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225173452/http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/76ers-jahlil-okafor-collects-career-high-17-boards-in-win/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160207_Sixers_close_strong_to_defeat_Nets.html|title=Sixers close strong to defeat Nets|access-date=February 8, 2016|date=February 7, 2016|website=]|last=Pompey, Keith|archive-date=February 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208214158/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160207_Sixers_close_strong_to_defeat_Nets.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 21 against the ], Okafor posted a career-high 31 points in a 129–103 loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828717|title=Mavericks cruise to 129-103 win over 76ers|access-date=February 22, 2016|date=February 21, 2016|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=February 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222133003/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828717|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 28, Okafor posted 26 points against the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828768|title=Big Magic start dooms 76ers to eighth straight loss, 130-116|access-date=March 10, 2016|date=February 28, 2016|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310135117/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828768|url-status=live}}</ref> but he endured a shin contusion in a collision with teammate ] that was only expected to sideline him for a game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828772|title=Wall scores 37 as Wizards rally to beat 76ers 116-108|access-date=March 10, 2016|date=March 1, 2016|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310144842/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828772|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csnphilly.com/basketball-philadelphia-76ers/jahlil-okafor-injury-out-2nd-straight-game-shin-contusion|title=Jahlil Okafor out for 2nd straight game with shin contusion|access-date=March 10, 2016|date=March 2, 2016|publisher=] Philly|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310150717/http://www.csnphilly.com/basketball-philadelphia-76ers/jahlil-okafor-injury-out-2nd-straight-game-shin-contusion|archive-date=March 10, 2016}}</ref> As he missed his fifth consecutive game, 76ers head coach ] noted that Okafor had a ] on his knee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828838|title=Harden, Howard help Rockets fend of 76ers, 118-104|access-date=March 10, 2016|date=March 9, 2016|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310042820/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828838|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 11, Okafor was ruled out for the rest of the season after tests revealed that he had sustained a small tear of the ] in his right knee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/medical-report-jahlil-okafor|title=Medical Report: Jahlil Okafor|access-date=March 11, 2016|date=March 11, 2016|website=]|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312093154/http://www.nba.com/sixers/medical-report-jahlil-okafor|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Okafor finished fifth in the 2016 ] voting<ref>{{cite web|url= |
Okafor finished fifth in the 2016 ] voting<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15561377|title=Karl-Anthony Towns voted rookie of the year|publisher=]|date=May 16, 2016|access-date=May 20, 2016|archive-date=May 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519045510/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/15561377/karl-anthony-towns-minnesota-timberwolves-voted-rookie-year|url-status=live}}</ref> and earned ] honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2016/news/05/19/2015-16-all-rookie-first-and-second-teams-karl-anthony-towns-kristaps-porzingis-devin-booker-nikola-jokic-jahlil-okafor/|title=Wolves' Towns, Knicks' Porzingis lead 2015-16 NBA All-Rookie teams|work=NBA.com|date=May 19, 2016|access-date=May 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522114420/http://www.nba.com/2016/news/05/19/2015-16-all-rookie-first-and-second-teams-karl-anthony-towns-kristaps-porzingis-devin-booker-nikola-jokic-jahlil-okafor|archive-date=May 22, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
====2016–17 season==== | ====2016–17 season==== | ||
After the first week of the ], the 76ers exercised the third-year team option on Okafor's rookie scale contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2016/10/30/philadelphia-76ers-exercise-options-joel-embiid-nik-stauskas-jahlil-okafor|title=Sixers exercise contract options on Joel Embiid, Nik Stauskas, Jahlil Okafor|access-date=November 2, 2016|date=October 30, 2016|work=]|archive-date=November 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102125058/http://www.nba.com/article/2016/10/30/philadelphia-76ers-exercise-options-joel-embiid-nik-stauskas-jahlil-okafor|url-status=live}}</ref> Okafor began the season on a 16-minute cap to be played over "smaller segments" and restriction from back-to-back game participation following the re-aggravation of his meniscus injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csnphilly.com/philadelphia-76ers/sixers-rest-jahlil-okafor-tuesday-joel-embiid-wednesday|title=Sixers to rest Jahlil Okafor Tuesday, Joel Embiid Wednesday|access-date=November 2, 2016|date=October 31, 2016|publisher=]| |
After the first week of the ], the 76ers exercised the third-year team option on Okafor's rookie scale contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2016/10/30/philadelphia-76ers-exercise-options-joel-embiid-nik-stauskas-jahlil-okafor|title=Sixers exercise contract options on Joel Embiid, Nik Stauskas, Jahlil Okafor|access-date=November 2, 2016|date=October 30, 2016|work=]|archive-date=November 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102125058/http://www.nba.com/article/2016/10/30/philadelphia-76ers-exercise-options-joel-embiid-nik-stauskas-jahlil-okafor|url-status=live}}</ref> Okafor began the season on a 16-minute cap to be played over "smaller segments" and restriction from back-to-back game participation following the re-aggravation of his meniscus injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csnphilly.com/philadelphia-76ers/sixers-rest-jahlil-okafor-tuesday-joel-embiid-wednesday|title=Sixers to rest Jahlil Okafor Tuesday, Joel Embiid Wednesday|access-date=November 2, 2016|date=October 31, 2016|publisher=]|last=Camerato, Jessica|archive-date=November 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101115320/http://www.csnphilly.com/philadelphia-76ers/sixers-rest-jahlil-okafor-tuesday-joel-embiid-wednesday|url-status=live}}</ref> His cap was soon raised to 24 minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17979502|title=Brett Brown says he will review Joel Embiid's minutes restriction around Christmas|access-date=November 21, 2016|date=November 5, 2016|last=McMenamin, Dave|website=]|archive-date=November 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122154218/http://proxy.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17979502/brett-brown-says-review-joel-embiid-minute-restriction-christmas|url-status=live}}</ref> He was cleared to play unrestricted prior to the November 21 contest against the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phillymag.com/news/2016/11/22/sixers-down-heat-for-4th-straight-home-win/|title=Sixers Down Heat for 4th Straight Home Win: The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Miami Heat 101-94 Monday night for their 4th straight home win.|access-date=December 6, 2016|date=November 22, 2016|work=]|last=Bodner, Derek|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123141941/http://www.phillymag.com/news/2016/11/22/sixers-down-heat-for-4th-straight-home-win/|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 14, 2017, Okafor, who had not played in the 76ers' previous three games, scored a then season-high 26 points in a 109–93 loss to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900024|title=John Wall's 25 points, Wizards beat 76ers 109-93|access-date=January 14, 2017|date=January 14, 2017|website=]|archive-date=January 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115065058/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900024|url-status=live}}</ref> He was selected to participate in the ] event during ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/01/25/2017-rising-stars-challenge-participants-official-release|title=Minnesota's Towns and Philadelphia's Embiid headline roster for 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge|access-date=February 2, 2017|date=January 25, 2017|work=]|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202010754/http://www.nba.com/article/2017/01/25/2017-rising-stars-challenge-participants-official-release|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 25, 2017, he had a season-high 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 110–109 loss to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900274|title=Anthony's jumper gives Knicks 110-109 victory over 76ers|access-date=February 26, 2017|date=February 25, 2017|website=]|archive-date=February 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226110039/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900274|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 31, 2017, after missing the previous four games, he was ruled out for the rest of the season with right knee soreness.<ref>{{cite web|last=Withers|first=Tom|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/03/31/sixers-shutting-down-jahlil-okafor-and-robert-covington|title=Philadelphia 76ers shutting down Jahlil Okafor, Robert Covington|work=NBA.com|date=March 31, 2017|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=April 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401153614/http://www.nba.com/article/2017/03/31/sixers-shutting-down-jahlil-okafor-and-robert-covington|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Windhorst |first=Brian |author-link=Brian Windhorst |date=March 31, 2017 |title=Season over for 76ers' Jahlil Okafor, Robert Covington |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19048386 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401021734/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19048386/philadelphia-76ers-shut-jahlil-okafor-robert-covington-rest-season |archive-date=April 1, 2017 |access-date=April 1, 2017 |publisher=]}}</ref> | ||
====2017–18 season==== | ====2017–18 season==== | ||
On November 1, 2017, Okafor revealed that he would welcome a trade or buyout from the 76ers, after the team decided to not pick up the fourth-year, $6.3 million option on Okafor's rookie deal, after having tried to trade him for some time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/10/31/morning-shootaround-philadelphia-76ers-jahlil-okafor-contract-option-fourth-year/|title=Reports: Philadelphia 76ers decide to not exercise Okafor's fourth-year option|work=NBA.com|date=October 31, 2017|access-date=October 31, 2017|archive-date=November 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103082148/http://www.nba.com/article/2017/10/31/morning-shootaround-philadelphia-76ers-jahlil-okafor-contract-option-fourth-year|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| |
On November 1, 2017, Okafor revealed that he would welcome a trade or buyout from the 76ers, after the team decided to not pick up the fourth-year, $6.3 million option on Okafor's rookie deal, after having tried to trade him for some time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/10/31/morning-shootaround-philadelphia-76ers-jahlil-okafor-contract-option-fourth-year/|title=Reports: Philadelphia 76ers decide to not exercise Okafor's fourth-year option|work=NBA.com|date=October 31, 2017|access-date=October 31, 2017|archive-date=November 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103082148/http://www.nba.com/article/2017/10/31/morning-shootaround-philadelphia-76ers-jahlil-okafor-contract-option-fourth-year|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Metallinos |first=Nick |date=November 1, 2017 |title=Jahlil Okafor would welcome a trade or buyout from 76ers |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21251976 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101193010/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21251976/jahlil-okafor-wants-philadelphia-76ers-trade-offer-buyout |archive-date=November 1, 2017 |access-date=November 1, 2017 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> Once the 76ers decided not to pick up Okafor's option, it gave him the right to be a free agent following the season. He saw time in only two games in the first 5 weeks of the season. After the 76ers could not reach a trade,<ref>{{cite web |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |author-link=Adrian Wojnarowski |date=November 26, 2017 |title=76ers' Jahlil Okafor remains hopeful for quick resolution |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21581687 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209152235/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21581687/jahlil-okafor-philadelphia-76ers-limbo-hoping-resolution |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> the team opted to not reach a contract buyout agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/look-jahlil-okafors-father-wears-free-jah-shirt-to-sixers-vs-warriors-game/|title=LOOK: Jahlil Okafor's father wears 'Free Jah' shirt to Sixers vs. Warriors game|access-date=November 23, 2017|date=November 19, 2017|work=]|last=Maloney, Jack|archive-date=November 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119051844/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/look-jahlil-okafors-father-wears-free-jah-shirt-to-sixers-vs-warriors-game/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/even-warriors-agree-76ers-free-jahlil-okafor-204832740.html|title=Even the Warriors agree that the 76ers should free Jahlil Okafor|access-date=November 24, 2017|date=November 20, 2017|work=]|last=Devine, Dan|archive-date=November 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171125120923/https://sports.yahoo.com/even-warriors-agree-76ers-free-jahlil-okafor-204832740.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later revealed that Okafor, along with several others associated with the 76ers, had been the subject of a ] campaign by the wife of then-General Manager ], using confidential information from the GM to denigrate Okafor and excuse the team's unwillingness to trade him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/5/29/17406750/bryan-colangelo-philadelphia-76ers-twitter-joel-embiid-anonymous-markelle-fultz|title=The Curious Case of Bryan Colangelo and the Secret Twitter Account|access-date=November 29, 2019|date=May 29, 2018|website=]|last=Detrick, Ben}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Cacciola |first1=Scott |last2=Mather |first2=Victor |name-list-style=and |date=June 7, 2018 |title=The Story of the Wife Who Defended Her Husband in a Way That Left Him Unemployed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/sports/bryan-colangelo-sixers-wife.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613114806/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/sports/bryan-colangelo-sixers-wife.html |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |access-date=November 29, 2019 |work=]}}</ref> | ||
===Brooklyn Nets (2017–2018)=== | ===Brooklyn Nets (2017–2018)=== | ||
On December 7, 2017, Okafor was traded, along with ] and a 2019 second round draft pick, to the ] in exchange for ].<ref>{{cite web|url= |
On December 7, 2017, Okafor was traded, along with ] and a 2019 second round draft pick, to the ] in exchange for ].<ref>{{cite web |date=December 7, 2017 |title=Brooklyn Nets Acquire Jahlil Okafor, Nik Stauskas and Second Round Pick From Philadelphia |url=https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2017/12/07/brooklyn-nets-acquire-jahlil-okafor-nik-stauskas-and-second-round-pick-from-philadelphia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208071136/http://www.nba.com/nets/news/2017/12/07/brooklyn-nets-acquire-jahlil-okafor-nik-stauskas-and-second-round-pick-from-philadelphia |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |access-date=December 7, 2017 |work=NBA.com}}</ref> In his debut for the Nets on December 15, 2017 (his 22nd birthday), Okafor had 10 points and four rebounds in 23 minutes in a 120–87 loss to the ]. He had played just 25 minutes all season for the 76ers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975175|title=Lowry goes for triple-double as Raptors rout Nets 120-87|work=ESPN.com|date=December 15, 2017|access-date=December 15, 2017|archive-date=December 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216081328/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975175|url-status=live}}</ref> Following his debut, the Nets decided to get him back into playing shape before putting him in games again.<ref name=nets-wolves>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975303|title=Nets cool off Timberwolves 98-97 on Dinwiddie's jumper|work=ESPN.com|date=January 3, 2018|access-date=January 3, 2018|archive-date=January 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104111656/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975303|url-status=live}}</ref> His next game came on January 3 against the ], where he scored two points in 11 minutes.<ref name="nets-wolves"/> Three days later, he had 12 points in 13 minutes in an 87–85 loss to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975324|title=Curry scores season-high 45 points, Warriors beat Clippers|work=ESPN.com|date=January 6, 2018|access-date=January 6, 2018|archive-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107110842/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975324|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 27, he scored a team-high 21 points in a 111–97 loss to the Timberwolves.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975475|title=Butler returns to score 21 points, Wolves beat Nets 111-97|work=ESPN.com|date=January 27, 2018|access-date=January 28, 2018|archive-date=January 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129004253/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975475|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the season, he became an unrestricted free agent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/free-agency-preview-atlantic-174400990--spt.html|title=Free Agency Preview: Atlantic|access-date=July 2, 2018|date=June 5, 2018|work=]|last=Knaus, Ryan|archive-date=July 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702093712/https://sports.yahoo.com/free-agency-preview-atlantic-174400990--spt.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===New Orleans Pelicans (2018–2020)=== | ===New Orleans Pelicans (2018–2020)=== | ||
On August 9, 2018, Okafor signed with the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-sign-jahlil-okafor|title=Pelicans sign Jahlil Okafor|work=NBA.com|date=August 9, 2018|access-date=August 9, 2018|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128102241/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-sign-jahlil-okafor|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 19, he posted a season-high 17 points in 13 minutes against the ].<ref>{{cite web|url= |
On August 9, 2018, Okafor signed with the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-sign-jahlil-okafor|title=Pelicans sign Jahlil Okafor|work=NBA.com|date=August 9, 2018|access-date=August 9, 2018|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128102241/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-sign-jahlil-okafor|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 19, he posted a season-high 17 points in 13 minutes against the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071143|title=Antetokounmpo scores 25 as Bucks beat Pelicans 123-115|access-date=December 20, 2018|date=December 19, 2018|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=December 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041640/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071143|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 19, the Pelicans announced that ] endured an index finger sprain that would sideline him 1–2 weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/anthony-davis-injury-update-1-19-19|title=Anthony Davis Injury Update|access-date=January 30, 2019|date=January 19, 2019|work=]|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120144604/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/anthony-davis-injury-update-1-19-19|url-status=live}}</ref> With the increased playing time Okafor set sequential season-high totals in a January 21 105–85 win over the ] (season-high 20 points and season-high-tying 10 rebounds),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070238|title=Balanced Pelicans easily top Grizzlies without injured Davis|access-date=January 22, 2019|date=January 21, 2019|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=January 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123010323/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070238|url-status=live}}</ref> a January 26 126–114 loss to the ] (24 points and 15 rebounds),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071403|title=Aldridge has double-double as Spurs beat Pelicans 126-114|access-date=January 27, 2019|date=January 26, 2019|publisher=]|agency=]|archive-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127205650/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071403|url-status=live}}</ref> and a January 29 121–116 win over the ] (27 points) with 12 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eichenhofer|first=Jim|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/postgame-wrap-pelicans-121-rockets-116|title=Postgame wrap: Pelicans 121, Rockets 116|access-date=January 30, 2019|date=January 29, 2019|publisher=]|website=]|quote=...Jahlil Okafor (a fifth straight quality start at center, this time going for 27 points and 12 rebounds)...|archive-date=January 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130162735/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/postgame-wrap-pelicans-121-rockets-116|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 23, he posted a career-high six blocks against the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/postgame-wrap-pistons-98-pelicans-94|title=Postgame wrap: Pistons 98, Pelicans 94|access-date=April 9, 2019|date=January 23, 2019|work=]|archive-date=June 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615090024/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/postgame-wrap-pistons-98-pelicans-94|url-status=live}}</ref> In the last game of the Pelicans' season, Okafor scored 30 points against the ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-2019-preseason-profile-jahlil-okafor|title=Pelicans 2019 preseason profile: Jahlil Okafor|last=Eichenhofer|first=Jim|date=2019-10-08|website=NBA.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30|archive-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326183056/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-2019-preseason-profile-jahlil-okafor|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
On June 20, 2019, Okafor's team option was picked up by the Pelicans.<ref>{{Cite web| |
On June 20, 2019, Okafor's team option was picked up by the Pelicans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andrews |first=Malika |author-link=Malika Andrews |date=2019-06-20 |title=Pelicans pick up Okafor's '19-20 team option |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27016977 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806224819/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27016977/pelicans-pick-okafor-19-20-team-option |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |access-date=2020-03-30 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> On October 31, he scored 26 points in a 122–107 win against the Denver Nuggets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/postgame-wrap-pelicans-122-nuggets-107|title=Postgame wrap: Pelicans 122, Nuggets 107|last=Eichenhofer|first=Jim|date=2019-10-31|website=NBA.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30|archive-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326202136/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/postgame-wrap-pelicans-122-nuggets-107|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 13, 2020, he had 25 points and 14 rebounds in a 117–110 overtime win against the Pistons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/postgame-wrap-pelicans-117-pistons-110-ot|title=Postgame wrap: Pelicans 117, Pistons 110 (OT)|last=Eichenhofer|first=Jim|date=2020-01-13|website=NBA.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30|archive-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326202138/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/postgame-wrap-pelicans-117-pistons-110-ot|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 28, Okafor announced that he would change his number from 8 to honor ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Eichenhofer |first1=Jim |title=Jahlil Okafor joins other NBA players in giving up No. 8 jersey, honoring legacy of Kobe Bryant |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/jahlil-okafor-joins-other-nba-players-giving-no-8-jersey-tribute-kobe-bryant |website=NBA.com |access-date=January 29, 2020 |date=January 28, 2020 |archive-date=January 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129104550/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/jahlil-okafor-joins-other-nba-players-giving-no-8-jersey-tribute-kobe-bryant |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Andrews |first1=Malika |author-link=Malika Andrews |last2=Bontemps |first2=Tim |name-list-style=and |date=January 28, 2020 |title=Spencer Dinwiddie, several others change numbers to honor Kobe |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28586793 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129040330/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28586793/spencer-dinwiddie-several-others-change-numbers-honor-kobe |archive-date=January 29, 2020 |access-date=January 28, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> He would wear the number 9 for the rest of the season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/jahlil-okafor-easy-decision-honor-kobe-bryant-changing-number|title=Jahlil Okafor: Easy decision to honor Kobe Bryant by changing number|last=Eichenhofer|first=Jim|date=2020-01-30|website=NBA.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329173518/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/jahlil-okafor-easy-decision-honor-kobe-bryant-changing-number|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Detroit Pistons (2020–2021)=== | ===Detroit Pistons (2020–2021)=== | ||
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===Zhejiang Lions (2022)=== | ===Zhejiang Lions (2022)=== | ||
On February 23, 2022, Okafor signed with the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Zhejiang Lions signed Okafor|url=https://sports.sina.com.cn/basketball/cba/2022-02-23/doc-imcwipih4969619.shtml|date=February 23, 2022|access-date=February 23, 2022}}</ref> His ] rights were acquired by the ] in September 2022.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/former-duke-star-and-3rd-overall-pick-reportedly-has-a-new-team-jahlil-okafor|title=Former Duke Star And 3rd Overall Pick Reportedly Has A New Team|accessdate=October 23, 2022|date=September 22, 2022| |
On February 23, 2022, Okafor signed with the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Zhejiang Lions signed Okafor|url=https://sports.sina.com.cn/basketball/cba/2022-02-23/doc-imcwipih4969619.shtml|date=February 23, 2022|access-date=February 23, 2022}}</ref> His ] rights were acquired by the ] in September 2022.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/former-duke-star-and-3rd-overall-pick-reportedly-has-a-new-team-jahlil-okafor|title=Former Duke Star And 3rd Overall Pick Reportedly Has A New Team|accessdate=October 23, 2022|date=September 22, 2022|last=Stinar |first=Ben|magazine=]}}</ref> | ||
=== |
===Mexico City Capitanes (2022–2023)=== | ||
On November 4, 2022, Okafor was named to the opening night roster for the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitanes de Ciudad de México roster 2022-23|url=https://capitanes.gleague.nba.com/roster|website=NBA.com|date=November 4, 2022|access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref> | On November 4, 2022, Okafor was named to the opening night roster for the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitanes de Ciudad de México roster 2022-23|url=https://capitanes.gleague.nba.com/roster|website=NBA.com|date=November 4, 2022|access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref> | ||
On February 4, 2023, Okafor's rights were traded, along with ], ], and ] to the ] in exchange for ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=2022-23 NBA G League Transactions|url=https://gleague.nba.com/22-23-nba-g-league-transactions|website=NBA.com|access-date=February 4, 2023}}</ref> However, he never played for Delaware. | On February 4, 2023, Okafor's rights were traded, along with ], ], and ] to the ] in exchange for ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=2022-23 NBA G League Transactions|url=https://gleague.nba.com/22-23-nba-g-league-transactions|website=NBA.com|access-date=February 4, 2023}}</ref> However, he never played for Delaware. | ||
===Casademont Zaragoza ( |
===Casademont Zaragoza (2023)=== | ||
On July 17, 2023, Okafor signed with ] of the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=JAHLIL OKAFOR: UN NÚMERO 3 DEL DRAFT NBA PARA CASADEMONT ZARAGOZA|url=https://www.casademontzaragoza.es/noticias/jahlil-okafor-un-n%C3%BAmero-3-del-draft-nba-para-casademont-zaragoza|website=NBA.com|date=July 17, 2023|access-date=July 17, 2023|language=Spanish}}</ref> | On July 17, 2023, Okafor signed with ] of the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=JAHLIL OKAFOR: UN NÚMERO 3 DEL DRAFT NBA PARA CASADEMONT ZARAGOZA|url=https://www.casademontzaragoza.es/noticias/jahlil-okafor-un-n%C3%BAmero-3-del-draft-nba-para-casademont-zaragoza|website=NBA.com|date=July 17, 2023|access-date=July 17, 2023|language=Spanish}}</ref> | ||
===Capitanes de Arecibo ( |
===Capitanes de Arecibo (2024)=== | ||
On February 7, 2024, Okafor signed with ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Los Capitanes anuncian la firma del exenebeísta Jahlil Okafor|url=https://www.primerahora.com/deportes/baloncesto/notas/los-capitanes-anuncian-la-firma-del-exenebeista-jahlil-okafor/|website=PrimeraHora.com|date=February 7, 2024|access-date=March 18, 2024|language=Spanish}}</ref> | On February 7, 2024, Okafor signed with ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Los Capitanes anuncian la firma del exenebeísta Jahlil Okafor|url=https://www.primerahora.com/deportes/baloncesto/notas/los-capitanes-anuncian-la-firma-del-exenebeista-jahlil-okafor/|website=PrimeraHora.com|date=February 7, 2024|access-date=March 18, 2024|language=Spanish}}</ref> | ||
===Indiana Mad Ants (2024–present)=== | |||
On October 15, 2024, Okafor signed with the ], but was waived that day.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pacers Roster Transactions|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pacers-roster-transactions|website=NBA.com|date=October 15, 2024|access-date=October 15, 2024}}</ref> On October 27, he joined the ].<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Mad Ants Basketball|title=our 2024-25 training camp roster 🐜🔥|number=1850621766915539218|user=TheMadAnts|date=October 27, 2024|access-date=October 28, 2024}}</ref> | |||
==Career statistics== | ==Career statistics== | ||
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===NBA=== | ===NBA=== | ||
====Regular season==== | ====Regular season==== | ||
{{NBA player statistics start}} | {{NBA player statistics start}} | ||
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==National team career== | ==National team career== | ||
===US national team=== | ===US national team=== | ||
In October 2010, he successfully tried out for ]'s 2011–12 USA Developmental National Team.<ref name=2UBMUNTRA>{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/news-rumors/other-news/2011/06/2011-usa-basketball-mens-u16-national-team-roster-announced/|title=2011 USA Basketball Men's U16 National Team Roster Announced|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=June 13, 2011|work=]|archive-date=April 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428140656/http://www.slamonline.com/online/news-rumors/other-news/2011/06/2011-usa-basketball-mens-u16-national-team-roster-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2011,<ref name=2UBMUNTRA/> he qualified for the 12-man United States team at the 2011 ] along with Simeon rivals Parker and Nunn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/the_inside_scoop/ihsa/|title=Boys basketball – 3 locals, 4 from Illinois on USA U16 National Team|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=June 14, 2011|work=]|archive-date=August 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825161732/http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/the_inside_scoop/ihsa/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the gold medal game, Okafor made all of his ] attempts posting 18 points and 14 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/the_inside_scoop/2011/06/boys-basketball-okafor-helps-us-to-gold-medal-parker-named-mvp.html|title=Boys Basketball – Okafor helps U.S. to gold medal, Parker named MVP|access-date=June 30, 2012|date=June 26, 2011|work=]|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630220813/http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/the_inside_scoop/2011/06/boys-basketball-okafor-helps-us-to-gold-medal-parker-named-mvp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> For the tournament, his 46 rebounds over |
In October 2010, he successfully tried out for ]'s 2011–12 USA Developmental National Team.<ref name=2UBMUNTRA>{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/news-rumors/other-news/2011/06/2011-usa-basketball-mens-u16-national-team-roster-announced/|title=2011 USA Basketball Men's U16 National Team Roster Announced|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=June 13, 2011|work=]|archive-date=April 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428140656/http://www.slamonline.com/online/news-rumors/other-news/2011/06/2011-usa-basketball-mens-u16-national-team-roster-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2011,<ref name=2UBMUNTRA/> he qualified for the 12-man United States team at the 2011 ] along with Simeon rivals Parker and Nunn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/the_inside_scoop/ihsa/|title=Boys basketball – 3 locals, 4 from Illinois on USA U16 National Team|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=June 14, 2011|work=]|archive-date=August 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825161732/http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/the_inside_scoop/ihsa/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the gold medal game, Okafor made all of his ] attempts, posting 18 points and 14 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/the_inside_scoop/2011/06/boys-basketball-okafor-helps-us-to-gold-medal-parker-named-mvp.html|title=Boys Basketball – Okafor helps U.S. to gold medal, Parker named MVP|access-date=June 30, 2012|date=June 26, 2011|work=]|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630220813/http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/the_inside_scoop/2011/06/boys-basketball-okafor-helps-us-to-gold-medal-parker-named-mvp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> For the tournament, his 46 rebounds over five games ranked him second on the United States team (to ]) and third at the Championships in rebounding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/misc/11_mu16_tourn_indiv_stats.pdf |title=2011 FIBA Americas U16 Championship: Individual Basketball Statistics: Through games of Jun 25, 2011 (All games) |access-date=July 2, 2012 |date=June 25, 2011 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718230140/http://www.usabasketball.com/misc/11_mu16_tourn_indiv_stats.pdf |archive-date=July 18, 2012 }}</ref> | ||
He was a member of USA Basketball's 12-man ] at the ] with Parker and Nunn again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-0619-prep-bkb-helfgot-blog,0,6912672.column|title=Mike Helfgot on boys basketball – Jabari Parker, Kendrick Nunn, Jahlil Okafor named to USA Basketball U-17 team|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=June 19, 2011|work=]| |
He was a member of USA Basketball's 12-man ] at the ] with Parker and Nunn again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-0619-prep-bkb-helfgot-blog,0,6912672.column|title=Mike Helfgot on boys basketball – Jabari Parker, Kendrick Nunn, Jahlil Okafor named to USA Basketball U-17 team|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=June 19, 2011|work=]|last=Helfgot |first=Mike|archive-date=July 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702033409/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-0619-prep-bkb-helfgot-blog,0,6912672.column|url-status=live}}</ref> His listed height was {{convert|6|ft|11|in|m|2}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kaunas2012.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/12/fu17wc/men/player/p/eid/6228/lid//orderby//pid/92148/rid/9024/sid/6228/tid/379/profile.html|title=Jahlil Okafor|access-date=July 2, 2012|publisher=]|archive-date=July 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707011145/http://kaunas2012.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/12/fu17wc/men/player/p/eid/6228/lid/orderby/pid/92148/rid/9024/sid/6228/tid/379/profile.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> At a two-game four-team preliminary exhibition tournament in ], Canary Islands the week before the championship began, he was named tournament MVP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/u17/12_mu17_exh_02.html|title=USA Men's U17 World Championship Team Overcomes Slow Start For 89–64 Victory Over Australia|access-date=June 30, 2012|date=June 25, 2012|publisher=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629052938/http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/u17/12_mu17_exh_02.html|archive-date=June 29, 2012}}</ref> He was also ] of the 2012 FIBA Under-17 World Cup, for the gold medal-winning United States team.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powers |first=Scott |date=July 8, 2012 |title=Okafor named World Championship MVP |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/high-school/post/_/id/3029 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719062310/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/high-school/post/_/id/3029/okafor-named-world-championship-mvp |archive-date=July 19, 2012 |access-date=July 8, 2012 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/52753/arti.html|title=FIBA U17 – USA repeat undefeated golden title|access-date=July 8, 2012|date=July 8, 2012|publisher=FIBA.com|archive-date=July 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710230429/http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/52753/arti.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Okafor posted 17 points and eight rebounds in the gold medal game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Helfgot |first=Mike |date=July 8, 2012 |title=Boys basketball blog – Jabari Parker helps U.S. win gold: Okafor named MVP |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/07/08/boys-basketball-blog-jabari-parker-helps-us-win-gold-okafor-named-mvp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715101825/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-07-08/sports/ct-spt-0709-prep-bkb-blog_1_jabari-parker-young-s-jahlil-okafor-second-gold-medal |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |access-date=July 15, 2012 |work=]}}</ref> Over the course of the tournament, he was the second-leading scorer, with 13.6 points per game, and second-leading rebounder for the United States, with 8.2 rebounds per game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/52751/arti.html|title=FIBA U17 – MVP Okafor leads All-Tournament Team|access-date=July 8, 2012|date=July 8, 2012|publisher=FIBA.com|archive-date=July 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712081255/http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/52751/arti.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
On May 21, 2013, USA Basketball announced the roster of 24 players, including Okafor, who had accepted invitations to the June 14–19, 2013, USA Basketball ] team training camp. The camp was used to select the 12-man team for the |
On May 21, 2013, USA Basketball announced the roster of 24 players, including Okafor, who had accepted invitations to the June 14–19, 2013, USA Basketball ] team training camp. The camp was used to select the 12-man team for the ] in Czech Republic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/u19/13_mu19_training_invitees.html|title=Twenty-Four Athletes Accept Invitations To USA Basketball's 2013 Men's U19 Training Camp|access-date=May 26, 2013|date=May 21, 2013|publisher=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603161320/http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/u19/13_mu19_training_invitees.html|archive-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref> Okafor made the final roster that was announced on June 18.<ref>{{cite web |last=Katz |first=Andy |author-link=Andy Katz |date=June 20, 2013 |title=Breaking down the Team USA roster |url=http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/9406272/billy-donovan-breaks-team-usa-roster-college-basketball |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621063939/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/9406272/billy-donovan-breaks-team-usa-roster-college-basketball |archive-date=June 21, 2013 |access-date=June 21, 2013 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=DeCourcy |first=Mike |date=June 18, 2013 |title=Team USA U19 roster set – who made the team? |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2013-06-18/team-usa-u19-roster-final-cuts-who-made-team-marcus-smart-elfrid-payton-prague |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620172849/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2013-06-18/team-usa-u19-roster-final-cuts-who-made-team-marcus-smart-elfrid-payton-prague |archive-date=June 20, 2013 |access-date=June 21, 2013 |work=]}}</ref> The team won the gold medal, and Okafor made the ], along with teammate and ] Gordon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2013-07-07/team-usa-result-score-u19-fiba-win-serbia-montrezl-harrell|title=USA wins gold at FIBA U19 World Championships|access-date=July 9, 2013|date=July 7, 2013|work=]|last=DeCourcy, Mike|archive-date=July 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709225918/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2013-07-07/team-usa-result-score-u19-fiba-win-serbia-montrezl-harrell|url-status=live}}</ref> He led the tournament with 77% ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1756216-what-makes-jahlil-okafor-best-player-in-2014-ncaa-basketball-recruiting-class?|title=What Makes Jahlil Okafor the Best Player in 2014 NCAA Recruiting Class?|access-date=September 4, 2013|date=September 2, 2013|work=]|last=Henry, Scott|archive-date=September 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905052724/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1756216-what-makes-jahlil-okafor-best-player-in-2014-ncaa-basketball-recruiting-class|url-status=live}}</ref> and he was the only player on the All-Tournament Team who would return to high school.<ref name=YOnnpoy/> However, coaches ] and ] told him his weak link was his conditioning.<ref name="W2C">{{cite web |last=Sam |first=Aggrey |date=September 24, 2013 |title=Welcome 2 Chicago: Already famed for its PGs and wings, gifted big men Cliff Alexander and Jahlil Okafor will keep the prep hoops spotlight firmly on the Windy City this season. |url=https://www.slamonline.com/photos/jahlil-okafor-cliff-alexander-chicago |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928055000/http://www.slamonline.com/online/the-magazine/features/2013/09/jahlil-okafor-cliff-alexander-chicago/ |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |access-date=October 5, 2013 |work=]}}</ref> | ||
=== |
===Nigeria national team=== | ||
On |
On February 23, 2020, Jahlil Okafor told ESPN's Marc J. Spears that he would represent the ] at the ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Armstrong |first1=Megan |date=February 24, 2020 |title=Jahlil Okafor Commits to Play for Nigeria at 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2877708-jahlil-okafor-commits-to-play-for-nigeria-at-2020-tokyo-olympic-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225151358/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2877708-jahlil-okafor-commits-to-play-for-nigeria-at-2020-tokyo-olympic-games |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |access-date=February 24, 2020 |website=Bleacherreport.com |publisher=Bleacherreport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jahlil Okafor commits to Nigeria for Olympic basketball |date=February 24, 2020 |url=https://olympics.nbcsports.com/2020/02/24/jahlil-okafor-nigeria/ |publisher=NBCSPORTS.COM |access-date=February 24, 2020 |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225151357/https://olympics.nbcsports.com/2020/02/24/jahlil-okafor-nigeria/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He averaged nine points over three games in the group stage.<ref>{{cite news |title=Okafor Caps Olympics Debut with Nigeria |url=https://goduke.com/news/2021/8/2/mens-basketball-okafor-caps-olympics-debut-with-nigeria.aspx |access-date=27 October 2021 |work=Duke University |language=en |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027144059/https://goduke.com/news/2021/8/2/mens-basketball-okafor-caps-olympics-debut-with-nigeria.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
] baseball caps to signify his commitment.]] | ] baseball caps to signify his commitment.]] | ||
His mother, Dacresha Lanett Benton,<ref name=1TAtAiS>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/17/sports/jahlil-okafor-high-school-hoops-star-is-playing-way-above-the-rim.html?|title=17-Year-Old Takes All the Attention in Stride|access-date=February 20, 2013|date=February 17, 2013|work=]| |
His mother, Dacresha Lanett Benton,<ref name=1TAtAiS>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/17/sports/jahlil-okafor-high-school-hoops-star-is-playing-way-above-the-rim.html?|title=17-Year-Old Takes All the Attention in Stride|access-date=February 20, 2013|date=February 17, 2013|work=]|last=Spring, Joe|archive-date=February 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221005735/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/17/sports/jahlil-okafor-high-school-hoops-star-is-playing-way-above-the-rim.html|url-status=live}}</ref> died when he was nine years old, leaving him to be raised by his father Chukwudi and aunt Chinyere Okafor-Conley,<ref name=Dyrcs>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-02-21/sports/chi-100220-depaul-david-haugh-column_1_rosemont-elementary-dribble-young-man|title=DePaul's young recruit causes stir: Opens up discussion on colleges approaching 8th-graders|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=February 21, 2010|work=]|last=Haugh, David|archive-date=December 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217234230/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-02-21/sports/chi-100220-depaul-david-haugh-column_1_rosemont-elementary-dribble-young-man|url-status=dead}}</ref> whom he refers to as his "auntie mom".<ref name=JOIOHWU/> His father's full name is Chukwudi Obika Okafor.<ref name=DukeBio/> His parents met in ], when Chuck played basketball for a local ].<ref name=JOIOHWU/> "My deepest fear is losing someone else close to me," Jahlil told ''Chicago'' magazine. "That's something I think about way more than I should."<ref name="JOIOHWU">{{Cite news |last=Noland |first=Terrance |date=December 16, 2013 |title=Jahlil Okafor Is on His Way Up |url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/January-2014/jahlil-okafor-duke/index.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218052128/http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/January-2014/jahlil-okafor-duke/index.php |archive-date=December 18, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2013 |work=Chicago Magazine}}</ref> | ||
He has an older sister, Jalen,<ref name=1TAtAiS/> and two younger brothers named Jamonte and Ashondre.<ref name=DukeBio>{{cite web|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209692777|title=Duke Men's Basketball Bio: 15 Jahlil Okafor|access-date=November 12, 2014|publisher=GoDuke.com|archive-date=April 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401105259/http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209692777|url-status=live}}</ref> His father has five Chicago-area siblings.<ref name=JOCNBBPITC/> His uncle works for the police department in ].<ref name=Do8s/> His father, who is known as Chuck Okafor, is {{convert|6|ft|5|in|m|2}}<ref name=Do8s>{{cite web|url= |
He has an older sister, Jalen,<ref name=1TAtAiS/> and two younger brothers named Jamonte and Ashondre.<ref name=DukeBio>{{cite web|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209692777|title=Duke Men's Basketball Bio: 15 Jahlil Okafor|access-date=November 12, 2014|publisher=GoDuke.com|archive-date=April 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401105259/http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209692777|url-status=live}}</ref> His father has five Chicago-area siblings.<ref name=JOCNBBPITC/> His uncle works for the police department in ].<ref name=Do8s/> His father, who is known as Chuck Okafor, is {{convert|6|ft|5|in|m|2}}<ref name=Do8s>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/ncf/news/story?id=4907140|title=DePaul offers 8th-grader scholarship|access-date=July 5, 2012|date=February 15, 2010|publisher=]|last=Powers, Scott|archive-date=February 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224174139/http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/ncf/news/story?id=4907140|url-status=live}}</ref> and played ] for ], ] and ].<ref name=JOCNBBPITC/><ref name=JOIOHWU/> His parents both had basketball scholarships at Carl Albert State College at the same time.<ref name=JOIOHWU/> Chuck had been an All-City High School basketball player for ].<ref name=JOIOHWU/> | ||
Okafor plays ] and the saxophone as well as the ].<ref name="Dyrcs" |
Okafor plays ] and the saxophone, as well as the ].<ref name="Dyrcs"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/7410453-419/personnel-files-with-jahlil-okafor-and-jabari-parker.html|title=Personnel Files With Jahlil Okafor and Jabari Parker|access-date=July 2, 2012|date=September 1, 2011|work=]|archive-date=December 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218103554/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/7410453-419/personnel-files-with-jahlil-okafor-and-jabari-parker.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In junior high, he participated in the ] for a musical.<ref name="JOIOHWU" /> He is a distant cousin of fellow NBA player ].<ref name="Dyrcs"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/04/03/final-four-provides-chance-to-debate-nbas-no-1-pick/|title=Final Four provides chance to debate NBA's No. 1 pick|access-date=April 16, 2015|date=April 3, 2015|newspaper=]|last=Lee, Michael|archive-date=April 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404010030/http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/04/03/final-four-provides-chance-to-debate-nbas-no-1-pick/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libertyballers.com/2017/9/25/16360526/sixers-emeka-okafor-jahlil-training-camp|title=Sixers Sign Emeka Okafor for Training Camp|access-date=September 26, 2017|date=September 25, 2017|publisher=]|last=O'Connor, Sean|archive-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925201756/https://www.libertyballers.com/2017/9/25/16360526/sixers-emeka-okafor-jahlil-training-camp|url-status=live}}</ref> He is of Nigerian descent through his paternal grandfather, who moved to the U.S. from Nigeria at the age of 20. Okafor traveled to Nigeria when he was in seventh grade.<ref>{{cite web |last=Blondin |first=Alan |date=December 27, 2012 |title=Sky is limit, holds inspiration for Whitney Young's Okafor |url=http://www.thestate.com/2012/12/27/2570001/whitney-youngs-okafor-just-as.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219044412/http://www.thestate.com/2012/12/27/2570001/whitney-youngs-okafor-just-as.html |archive-date=February 19, 2015 |access-date=February 20, 2015 |work=]}}</ref> | ||
Okafor has been practicing ] since the 2016–17 season.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/real-life-diet-jahlil-okafor|title=The Real-Life Diet of Jahlil Okafor, Who's Now Healthier in Mind and Body|last=Shultz|first=Alex|date=2019-07-03|website=GQ|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30|archive-date=November 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129134335/https://www.gq.com/story/real-life-diet-jahlil-okafor|url-status=live}}</ref> He used to be a ] so that he could prevent his knees from swelling, but he changed his diet when he realized that there was a deficiency in his iron.<ref name=":1" |
Okafor has been practicing ] since the 2016–17 season.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/real-life-diet-jahlil-okafor|title=The Real-Life Diet of Jahlil Okafor, Who's Now Healthier in Mind and Body|last=Shultz|first=Alex|date=2019-07-03|website=GQ|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30|archive-date=November 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129134335/https://www.gq.com/story/real-life-diet-jahlil-okafor|url-status=live}}</ref> He used to be a ] so that he could prevent his knees from swelling, but he changed his diet when he realized that there was a deficiency in his iron.<ref name=":1"/> Okafor has his own chef to make sure that he gets a sufficient amount of protein in his diet.<ref name=":1"/> After going to a sleep lab during the 2019 offseason, Okafor was diagnosed with ] and now uses a ], which has improved his quality of sleep.<ref name=":0"/> | ||
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Latest revision as of 16:45, 26 December 2024
Nigerian-American basketball player (born 1995)
Jahlil Obika Okafor (/ˈdʒɑː liːl/; born December 15, 1995) is a Nigerian-American professional basketball player for the Indiana Mad Ants of the NBA G League. He played his freshman season of college basketball for the 2014–15 Duke national championship team. He was selected with the third overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Okafor had been heavily recruited before high school and was at the top of the recruiting rankings for several years. He played high school basketball in Chicago, Illinois for Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, where he earned high school national player of the year awards from McDonald's, USA Today and Parade. Okafor signed with Duke as a package with Tyus Jones, with widespread recognition as the preseason Collegiate National Player of the Year. At Duke, he earned the USBWA National Freshman of the Year and ACC Player of the Year, and a unanimous 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball All-American first-team selection.
Early life and career
Okafor was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. His father, Chukwudi, known as Chuck, is a second-generation Nigerian American of Igbo descent, and his mother, Dacresha Lanett Benton, was Bantu-American and European-American. As a youth, Okafor split time between his mother's home in the town of Moffett, Oklahoma, and his father's home in Chicago. When he was nine years old, his mother contracted bronchitis and died two weeks later from a collapsed lung. Okafor permanently moved in with his father to the South Side of Chicago and then to Rosemont. Okafor attended Rosemont Elementary. The adjustment was difficult because he was shy and so tall that other students thought he was put in the class for having failed. In November 2008, during seventh grade, he matched his father's height of 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m). Later the family moved to Chicago's North Side so that Okafor could attend Whitney Young High School.
As a 6-foot-7-inch (2.01 m) eighth-grader, Okafor was recruited by DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball, in violation of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recruiting rules, when DePaul Athletic Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto made public comments about an offer. Initially, interim coach Tracy Webster, made an oral offer on January 30 outside the DePaul locker room at Allstate Arena. The offer was noted online by ESPNChicago.com and picked up by the press, leading to the problematic statements by Ponsetto. In February 2010, Ponsetto confirmed in a statement:
This is a young guy we've been talking with for a long time, and who has been to games and we have a relationship with because his uncle works for the Rosemont Police Department...I think it's a prospect who has grown up around DePaul basketball. I think he's probably a fan and someone who has been a fan for some time, since we have played in Rosemont for the last 30 years.
High school career
Freshman and sophomore seasons
Okafor and Whitney Young teammate Paul White were regarded as the best incoming freshmen in the Chicago metropolitan area, according to the Chicago Sun-Times's Joe Henricksen. They joined a team with six returning seniors that had finished as state runners up the prior year. Along with 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) sophomore Thomas Hamilton Jr. and White, Okafor was part of a trio of Whitney Young players ranked in the top 10 of their respective national classes by ESPNU. Entering the season, Whitney Young was considered to resemble a college team due to its size and athleticism. That year, Okafor feels he was not one of the "key players" on the team, but attending tournaments with elite players such as Austin Rivers and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist inspired him to be one.
Following his freshman season, Okafor was regarded as the second best college basketball prospect in the Chicago area behind Jabari Parker. The scouting report on him was that he possessed an improved mid-range jump shot, nimble feet, soft hands and physical skills at 6-foot-9-inch (2.06 m) that made him a mismatch against almost any high school competitor. Prior to his sophomore season Dave Spahn of SLAM Magazine described Okafor as a player with the footwork and ambidexterity to dominate his opponents, placing him in the conversation for the role of best player in the national class of 2014. In August 2011, ESPN ranked him as the third best player in the class of 2014.
Okafor and White were featured in Ball So Hard, the first documentary short by Life + Times.
On December 22, in front of an audience that included John Calipari, Rick Pitino, Derrick Rose and Anthony Davis at the UIC Pavilion, Okafor had 20 points (10 in the fourth quarter), nine rebounds and three blocked shots against cross-town rival Simeon and its star Parker in a 62–55 loss.
Following the season, the Chicago Sun-Times named him to the Class 4A All-State first team along with Parker, Keith Carter, Darius Paul and Fred VanVleet. The Chicago Tribune named him to its second team All-State team. The Associated Press named him to its Class 4A second team. He was also selected by the Chicago Public League Basketball Coaches Association to its 25-man boy's All-City team. The Chicago Sun-Times named him to its All-Public League second team as well as its All-area 20-man team. By the end of his sophomore season, he started appearing on ballots from ESPN HS's 10-person panel for the Mr. Basketball USA award as the best high school basketball player in the country. He was one of twenty sophomores chosen as Underclass All-Americans by ESPN HS.
Junior season
In June 2012, Sports Illustrated named him one of their "Future Game Changers", a group of fourteen young athletes who are considered to be the brightest talents of their respective sport (such as Sarah Hendrickson, Jabrill Peppers, and Taylor Townsend). On September 19, Calipari offered Okafor a scholarship to play for Kentucky, joining Ohio State, Michigan State, Louisville, Illinois, Duke, North Carolina, Florida and Arizona as programs that have offered Okafor.
Okafor was one of 10 USA Today preseason All-USA selections (along with Aaron Gordon, Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison, Kasey Hill, Jones, Parker, Julius Randle, Noah Vonleh, Andrew Wiggins). Okafor was named as one of the top 5 Illinois Mr. Basketball contenders (along with Parker, Kendrick Nunn, Sterling Brown and Malcolm Hill) prior to the season by the Chicago Tribune's Mike Helfgot. Whitney Young was the number eight ranked team in the MaxPreps.com national preseason poll. Young entered the season ranked fourteenth in the nation according to ESPN.
On December 20 Okafor and Young lost in overtime to Dakari Johnson's ESPN #1-ranked Montverde Academy. Young was ranked #9 at the time. On January 19, Okafor led Young to an 85–52 victory over Long Beach Polytechnic High School at the Hoophall Classic with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. The victory gave Young a 7–1 record against nationally ranked teams for the year, moving Young to #2 in the USA Today rankings as they prepared for the January 26 crosstown showdown against Simeon and Parker.
In the Chicago Public High School League playoffs February 15 finals contest against Morgan Park High School Okafor tallied 19 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocked shots, including a game-saving block against Billy Garrett Jr., in a 60–56 overtime Public League Championship game victory over Morgan Park.
Okafor was recognized as a 2013 All-Public League first team selection by the Chicago Sun-Times along with Nunn, Parker, Alexander and Billy Garrett Jr. On February 28, he was named the Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year. On March 25, Okafor finished as runner-up in the Illinois Mr. Basketball voting to Parker by a 315–277-point margin, including a 43–40 first place vote margin. On April 17, he was a first team All-USA selection by USA Today along with Wiggins, Aaron Harrison, Randle and Parker. Following the demise of ESPN HS, HighSchoolHardwood.com undertook several honoraria selections. Although MaxPreps.com did not select him as a first team All-American, they did select him as a Junior All-American along with Stanley Johnson, Joel Berry, Jones, and Emmanuel Mudiay.
Senior season
Following his time with Team USA, Okafor participated in the Nike Pro-Am Chi-League, the All-Peach Jam, and the Adidas Nations event. He made his verbal commitment on ESPNU to Duke basketball on November 15, jointly with Tyus Jones. Prior to his senior season, USA Today named him to its 10-man preseason All-USA team along with Alexander, Stanley Johnson, Jones, Trey Lyles, Mudiay, Malik Newman, Kelly Oubre, D'Angelo Russell, and Myles Turner. On November 21, Winslow committed to Duke, giving them the number one recruiting class in the nation with Jones, Okafor, Winslow and Grayson Allen all committed. Okafor was joined on the Chicago Tribune's preseason Illinois Mr. Basketball top 5 by Alexander, Jalen Brunson, Tyler Ulis and Keita Bates-Diop.
Okafor dominated the December 27–30, Les Schwab Invitational hosted by Liberty High School by leading the tournament in scoring (31) and rebounding (12.5) and finished 2013 atop the three major recruiting databases (ESPN, Rivals and Scout). Young went 2–2 in the tournament, losing to Rainier Beach High School as well as losing to Oregon's defending Class 6A state champions West Linn High School. On January 4 at the Cancer Research Classic in Wheeling, West Virginia, Okafor earned the tournament MVP based on a 24-point and nine-rebound performance against Mudiay's Prime Prep Academy.
Okafor and Young reached an anticipated city championship matchup with Curie and Alexander at the Jones Convocation Center. Okafor had 16 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. Curie won the city championship 69–66 in quadruple overtime as Okafor had 16 points before fouling out with 2:13 remaining in regulation. The CPL Championship game was attended by Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel and was the lead story on the late edition of SportsCenter.
On March 14, Okafor posted 35 points and 13 rebounds in a 75–66 victory over St. Rita of Cascia High School (who featured Kentucky-bound Charles Matthews), earning Young its first sectional title since 2009 and leaving them one victory away from the final four. On March 18, Okafor led Young to a 58–32 victory over Loyola Academy with 12 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks. On March 21 Okafor's 33 points and 14 rebounds enabled Young to overcome a record setting 56-point performance by Brunson with a 75–68 victory over Stevenson High School. On March 22, Okafor and Young won the IHSA Class 4A state championship by defeating Benet Academy 46–44. Okafor only produced 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists as he battled Xavier-bound Sean O'Mara.
Okafor dunking in postseason play(left) The 2014 IHSA championship game; (right) dunk for a 103–102 west lead with fewer than 40 seconds left in the 105–102 2014 McDonald's Game victoryOkafor earned co-MVP (with Justin Jackson) of the April 2, 2014, McDonald's All-American Game after posting 17 points and 7 rebounds, including the go ahead dunk with fewer than 40 seconds remaining, for the winning west team in a 105–102 victory. On April 12, he posted a 14-point 10-rebound double-double in an 84–73 Team USA Nike Hoops Summit victory over the world team. On April 18 in the Jordan Brand Classic, he earned co-MVP with (Alexander) by posting 29 points and 9 rebounds.
Okafor was selected to the 10-man Team USA for the 17th annual Nike Hoop Summit on April 12, 2014, at the Moda Center. He was also selected to the 24-player 37th annual April 2, 2014 McDonald's All-American Boys Game at the United Center. He was recognized as first team All-City along with teammate White, Alexander, Louis Adams Jr. of Orr, and Luwane Pipkins of Bogan High School by the Chicago Sun-Times. On February 18, he became one of three finalists for the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award along with Alexander and Stanley Johnson.
He was selected as the 2014 National Player of the Year from among the 20 Parade All-Americans. He was also recognized by the McDonald's All-American Game organization as its 2014 Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year. USA Today recognized Okafor as its national player of the year when naming its All-USA Boys Basketball Team along with Alexander, Oubre, Mudiay, and Stanley Johnson. Okafor beat Alexander in the Illinois Mr. Basketball voting by a 492–402 vote. He earned first team All-American recognition from MaxPreps on April 13. Okafor was named the 2013–14 Chicago Tribune/WGN Ch. 9 Athlete of the Year.
Rankings
In 2011, center Dakari Johnson was named National Freshman of the Year by ESPN HS. In the following months, Okafor beat out Johnson for a spot on the 2011 FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship Team USA. Okafor spent his sophomore season ranked as the number one center and second best player in the national class of 2014 by SLAM Magazine behind Andrew Wiggins, according to SLAM's Franklyn Calle. In January 2012 during his sophomore season, he was ranked third in the class by ESPNU. By April, he was ranked second. By the end of his second year, there was talk that with Jabari Parker Chicago might produce the number one high school player in the country in back to back years, something that they had come close to with Mark Aguirre and Isiah Thomas in the late 1970s. Also in the 1981 NBA draft Aguirre and Thomas were selected first and second, respectively. On October 25, 2012, Andrew Wiggins announced that he was reclassifying into the class of 2013, which cleared the way for Okafor to assume the number one ranking in the Rivals.com ranking for the class of 2014. As of November 2012, he was listed number one in the national class of 2014 by Rivals.com and number two by ESPN. He remained number one according to Rivals with its March 14, 2013 rankings update, following his junior season.
Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | Commit date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jahlil Okafor C |
Chicago, IL | Whitney Young (IL) | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) | 267.5 lb (121.3 kg) | Nov 15, 2013 | |
Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 1, 1 (C) Rivals: 1, 1 (C) ESPN: 1, 1 (IL), 1 (C) | ||||||
Sources:
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College career
Okafor played one season of college basketball for Duke. He was selected as Preseason Player of the Year by CBSSports.com, NBCSports.com, SB Nation, and ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla. Okafor was a Preseason All-American first team selection by USA Today, CBSSports.com, NBCSports.com, Athlon Sports, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, SB Nation, Sports Illustrated, and the Associated Press. In its preseason top 100 player ranking, Okafor was listed at number 3 by ESPN. For the 2014–15 Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball season, the conference media selected him as the ACC Preseason Rookie of the Year and as a Preseason All-ACC Team selection. He finished second in the conference Preseason Player of the Year voting to Marcus Paige. He was also listed as a John R. Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 candidate. He was also named to the Oscar Robertson Trophy and Wayman Tisdale Award Watch Lists.
Okafor opened the season as ACC Freshman of the Week on November 17. In his first three games he shot 25-for-30 on his field goal attempts. He was again named ACC Freshman of the Week on November 24 and December 1. He had his first two 20-point performances in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic with 24 points against Furman on November 26 and 21 against Army on November 30. On December 15 with a 25-point and 20-rebound performance against Elon, Okafor became the first Duke freshman to record 20 rebounds in a game and the second ACC freshman to record 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game, joining Joe Smith. The performance earned Okafor his fourth ACC Rookie of the Week Award and first Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Week recognitions. He then scored a season-high 28 points against Boston College on January 3, earning his fifth ACC Rookie of the Week, first ACC Player of the Week, and second Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Week recognition the following day. He was again ACC Rookie of the Week on January 12 and 19. He was named to the John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 list on January 14. After sitting out a game due to an ankle injury, Okafor posted a career-high 30 points in an overtime win against Virginia Tech on February 25.
Following the season, Okafor was named Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year by both the ACC coaches and media and ACC Freshman of the year. He was the first freshman to win ACC Player of the Year. He was also a first team All-ACC selection and among the first trio to be selected to the All-ACC Freshman first team (along with Jones and Winslow). He was named USBWA National Freshman of the Year and the 2015 USBWA Freshman All-America Team by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). Okafor was a unanimous 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball All-American first-team selection by The Sporting News, USBWA, National Association of Basketball Coaches, and Associated Press. He contributed to a national championship with 10 points, including 2 key baskets in the final minutes, in the championship game of the 2015 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, despite spending much of the game in foul trouble while defending Frank Kaminsky of Wisconsin. Okafor finished as runner-up to Kaminsky in the John R. Wooden Award voting (3385–3060). On April 9, Okafor declared for the 2015 NBA draft.
Professional career
Philadelphia 76ers (2015–2017)
2015–16 season
On June 25, 2015, Okafor was selected with the third overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. After debuting with a 20-point NBA Summer League performance on July 6, Okafor signed a two-year contract with the 76ers on July 7, with team options for two additional seasons. He debuted for the 76ers, logging 26 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, against the Boston Celtics on October 28. On November 9, he posted his first career double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds against his hometown Chicago Bulls.
After the 76ers got off to an 0–16 start to the season, Okafor was involved in a street fight with taunting individuals on November 25 in Boston. On November 30, with additional reports surfacing that Okafor had been involved in various controversial and dangerous off-the-court situations, the 76ers agreed to a request to assign a security guard to accompany Okafor in public. On December 1, Okafor and the 76ers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 103–91. The win ended the longest losing streak in the history of major professional sports in the United States (28 games going back to the prior season) and the worst start in NBA history (tied with the 2009–10 New Jersey Nets at 0–18). The next day, video surfaced on TMZ of a second fight in Boston from November. Okafor was subsequently suspended by the 76ers for two games. He returned from suspension against the San Antonio Spurs on December 7, recording 10 points and 4 rebounds off the bench in a 119–68 defeat. On January 27, 2016, he was named to the 2016 NBA All-Star Game weekend Rising Stars Challenge lineup.
In February, the 76ers had Okafor and Nerlens Noel swap positions as Okafor moved from center to power forward. On February 6, he recorded 22 points and a season-high 17 rebounds in a 103–98 win over the Brooklyn Nets. On February 21 against the Dallas Mavericks, Okafor posted a career-high 31 points in a 129–103 loss. On February 28, Okafor posted 26 points against the Orlando Magic, but he endured a shin contusion in a collision with teammate Isaiah Canaan that was only expected to sideline him for a game. As he missed his fifth consecutive game, 76ers head coach Brett Brown noted that Okafor had a CT scan on his knee. On March 11, Okafor was ruled out for the rest of the season after tests revealed that he had sustained a small tear of the meniscus in his right knee.
Okafor finished fifth in the 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year Award voting and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors.
2016–17 season
After the first week of the 2016–17 NBA season, the 76ers exercised the third-year team option on Okafor's rookie scale contract. Okafor began the season on a 16-minute cap to be played over "smaller segments" and restriction from back-to-back game participation following the re-aggravation of his meniscus injury. His cap was soon raised to 24 minutes. He was cleared to play unrestricted prior to the November 21 contest against the Miami Heat. On January 14, 2017, Okafor, who had not played in the 76ers' previous three games, scored a then season-high 26 points in a 109–93 loss to the Washington Wizards. He was selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge event during All-Star weekend. On February 25, 2017, he had a season-high 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 110–109 loss to the New York Knicks. On March 31, 2017, after missing the previous four games, he was ruled out for the rest of the season with right knee soreness.
2017–18 season
On November 1, 2017, Okafor revealed that he would welcome a trade or buyout from the 76ers, after the team decided to not pick up the fourth-year, $6.3 million option on Okafor's rookie deal, after having tried to trade him for some time. Once the 76ers decided not to pick up Okafor's option, it gave him the right to be a free agent following the season. He saw time in only two games in the first 5 weeks of the season. After the 76ers could not reach a trade, the team opted to not reach a contract buyout agreement. It was later revealed that Okafor, along with several others associated with the 76ers, had been the subject of a disinformation campaign by the wife of then-General Manager Bryan Colangelo, using confidential information from the GM to denigrate Okafor and excuse the team's unwillingness to trade him.
Brooklyn Nets (2017–2018)
On December 7, 2017, Okafor was traded, along with Nik Stauskas and a 2019 second round draft pick, to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Trevor Booker. In his debut for the Nets on December 15, 2017 (his 22nd birthday), Okafor had 10 points and four rebounds in 23 minutes in a 120–87 loss to the Toronto Raptors. He had played just 25 minutes all season for the 76ers. Following his debut, the Nets decided to get him back into playing shape before putting him in games again. His next game came on January 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he scored two points in 11 minutes. Three days later, he had 12 points in 13 minutes in an 87–85 loss to the Boston Celtics. On January 27, he scored a team-high 21 points in a 111–97 loss to the Timberwolves. Following the season, he became an unrestricted free agent.
New Orleans Pelicans (2018–2020)
On August 9, 2018, Okafor signed with the New Orleans Pelicans. On December 19, he posted a season-high 17 points in 13 minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks. On January 19, the Pelicans announced that Anthony Davis endured an index finger sprain that would sideline him 1–2 weeks. With the increased playing time Okafor set sequential season-high totals in a January 21 105–85 win over the Memphis Grizzlies (season-high 20 points and season-high-tying 10 rebounds), a January 26 126–114 loss to the San Antonio Spurs (24 points and 15 rebounds), and a January 29 121–116 win over the Houston Rockets (27 points) with 12 rebounds. On January 23, he posted a career-high six blocks against the Detroit Pistons. In the last game of the Pelicans' season, Okafor scored 30 points against the Golden State Warriors.
On June 20, 2019, Okafor's team option was picked up by the Pelicans. On October 31, he scored 26 points in a 122–107 win against the Denver Nuggets. On January 13, 2020, he had 25 points and 14 rebounds in a 117–110 overtime win against the Pistons. On January 28, Okafor announced that he would change his number from 8 to honor Kobe Bryant. He would wear the number 9 for the rest of the season.
Detroit Pistons (2020–2021)
On December 1, 2020, Okafor signed with the Detroit Pistons.
On September 4, 2021, he and Sekou Doumbouya were traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for DeAndre Jordan. Five days later, the Nets waived Okafor.
On September 22, 2021, Okafor signed with the Atlanta Hawks. However, he was waived on October 11.
Zhejiang Lions (2022)
On February 23, 2022, Okafor signed with the Zhejiang Lions. His G League rights were acquired by the Mexico City Capitanes in September 2022.
Mexico City Capitanes (2022–2023)
On November 4, 2022, Okafor was named to the opening night roster for the Mexico City Capitanes.
On February 4, 2023, Okafor's rights were traded, along with Shabazz Napier, Bruno Caboclo, and Matt Mooney to the Delaware Blue Coats in exchange for Skylar Mays, Justin Robinson, and Raphiael Putney. However, he never played for Delaware.
Casademont Zaragoza (2023)
On July 17, 2023, Okafor signed with Casademont Zaragoza of the Liga ACB.
Capitanes de Arecibo (2024)
On February 7, 2024, Okafor signed with Capitanes de Arecibo.
Indiana Mad Ants (2024–present)
On October 15, 2024, Okafor signed with the Indiana Pacers, but was waived that day. On October 27, he joined the Indiana Mad Ants.
Career statistics
GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
NBA
Regular season
Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015–16 | Philadelphia | 53 | 48 | 30.0 | .508 | .167 | .686 | 7.0 | 1.2 | .4 | 1.2 | 17.5 |
2016–17 | Philadelphia | 50 | 33 | 22.7 | .514 | — | .671 | 4.8 | 1.2 | .4 | 1.0 | 11.8 |
2017–18 | Philadelphia | 2 | 0 | 12.5 | .444 | — | .500 | 4.5 | .5 | .0 | 1.0 | 5.0 |
2017–18 | Brooklyn | 26 | 0 | 12.6 | .566 | .250 | .760 | 2.9 | .4 | .1 | .6 | 6.4 |
2018–19 | New Orleans | 59 | 24 | 15.8 | .586 | .200 | .663 | 4.7 | .7 | .3 | .7 | 8.2 |
2019–20 | New Orleans | 30 | 9 | 15.6 | .623 | .333 | .645 | 4.2 | 1.2 | .2 | .7 | 8.1 |
2020–21 | Detroit | 27 | 2 | 12.9 | .618 | .222 | .708 | 2.4 | .5 | .2 | .2 | 5.4 |
Career | 247 | 116 | 19.5 | .542 | .222 | .676 | 4.7 | .9 | .3 | .8 | 10.4 |
College
Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014–15 | Duke | 32 | 32 | 30.1 | .664 | — | .510 | 8.5 | 1.3 | .8 | 1.4 | 17.3 |
National team career
US national team
In October 2010, he successfully tried out for USA Basketball's 2011–12 USA Developmental National Team. In June 2011, he qualified for the 12-man United States team at the 2011 FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship along with Simeon rivals Parker and Nunn. In the gold medal game, Okafor made all of his field goal attempts, posting 18 points and 14 rebounds. For the tournament, his 46 rebounds over five games ranked him second on the United States team (to Aaron Gordon) and third at the Championships in rebounding.
He was a member of USA Basketball's 12-man Team USA at the 2012 FIBA Under-17 World Cup with Parker and Nunn again. His listed height was 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m). At a two-game four-team preliminary exhibition tournament in Las Palmas, Canary Islands the week before the championship began, he was named tournament MVP. He was also named the MVP of the 2012 FIBA Under-17 World Cup, for the gold medal-winning United States team. Okafor posted 17 points and eight rebounds in the gold medal game. Over the course of the tournament, he was the second-leading scorer, with 13.6 points per game, and second-leading rebounder for the United States, with 8.2 rebounds per game.
On May 21, 2013, USA Basketball announced the roster of 24 players, including Okafor, who had accepted invitations to the June 14–19, 2013, USA Basketball Men's U19 World Cup team training camp. The camp was used to select the 12-man team for the 2013 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Czech Republic. Okafor made the final roster that was announced on June 18. The team won the gold medal, and Okafor made the All-Tournament team, along with teammate and tournament MVP Gordon. He led the tournament with 77% field goal percentage, and he was the only player on the All-Tournament Team who would return to high school. However, coaches Billy Donovan and Shaka Smart told him his weak link was his conditioning.
Nigeria national team
On February 23, 2020, Jahlil Okafor told ESPN's Marc J. Spears that he would represent the Nigeria national team at the 2020 Summer Olympics. He averaged nine points over three games in the group stage.
Personal life
His mother, Dacresha Lanett Benton, died when he was nine years old, leaving him to be raised by his father Chukwudi and aunt Chinyere Okafor-Conley, whom he refers to as his "auntie mom". His father's full name is Chukwudi Obika Okafor. His parents met in Fort Smith, Arkansas, when Chuck played basketball for a local junior college. "My deepest fear is losing someone else close to me," Jahlil told Chicago magazine. "That's something I think about way more than I should."
He has an older sister, Jalen, and two younger brothers named Jamonte and Ashondre. His father has five Chicago-area siblings. His uncle works for the police department in Rosemont, Illinois. His father, who is known as Chuck Okafor, is 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and played power forward for Westark Community College, West Texas A&M University and Carl Albert State College. His parents both had basketball scholarships at Carl Albert State College at the same time. Chuck had been an All-City High School basketball player for Bowen High School.
Okafor plays chess and the saxophone, as well as the tuba. In junior high, he participated in the stage crew for a musical. He is a distant cousin of fellow NBA player Emeka Okafor. He is of Nigerian descent through his paternal grandfather, who moved to the U.S. from Nigeria at the age of 20. Okafor traveled to Nigeria when he was in seventh grade.
Okafor has been practicing hot yoga since the 2016–17 season. He used to be a vegan so that he could prevent his knees from swelling, but he changed his diet when he realized that there was a deficiency in his iron. Okafor has his own chef to make sure that he gets a sufficient amount of protein in his diet. After going to a sleep lab during the 2019 offseason, Okafor was diagnosed with sleep apnea and now uses a CPAP machine, which has improved his quality of sleep.
References
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- "History, All time Medalists - FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018 - FIBA.basketball". Archived from the original on May 29, 2019. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
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- McCarthy, Jack (February 12, 2010). "DePaul offers basketball scholarship to 8th-grader: Jahlil Okafor, 14, reportedly has received a scholarship offer from DePaul basketball coach Tracy Webster". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 19, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
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External links
- Career statistics from NBA.com and Basketball Reference
- Duke Blue Devils bio
- USA Basketball bio Archived June 22, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
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