Felix Okpara is taking his elite defensive talent to the next level.
The Orlando Magic selected Tennessee basketball's premier shot blocker with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23.
He follows teammates Nate Ament and Ja'Kobi Gillespie as the third player picked from Tennessee in this draft. Ament went to the Milwaukee Bucks with the 13th overall pick, while Gillespie went at No. 42 to the San Antonio Spurs.
Okpara took a leap of faith as a teenager, coming to the United States and leaving his family in Lagos, Nigeria. His circuitous basketball path led him to high school in Chattanooga, and he spent two seasons at Ohio State before returning to Tennessee to play for the Vols.
The 6-foot-10 center had his best years with Tennessee as he grew into one of the nation's best rim protectors. As a senior, he averaged 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and earned All-SEC Defensive Team honors.
The Orlando Magic selected Tennessee basketball's premier shot blocker with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23.
He follows teammates Nate Ament and Ja'Kobi Gillespie as the third player picked from Tennessee in this draft. Ament went to the Milwaukee Bucks with the 13th overall pick, while Gillespie went at No. 42 to the San Antonio Spurs.
Okpara took a leap of faith as a teenager, coming to the United States and leaving his family in Lagos, Nigeria. His circuitous basketball path led him to high school in Chattanooga, and he spent two seasons at Ohio State before returning to Tennessee to play for the Vols.
The 6-foot-10 center had his best years with Tennessee as he grew into one of the nation's best rim protectors. As a senior, he averaged 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and earned All-SEC Defensive Team honors.
4 months ago
