- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,170,672
- Reaction score
- 59
Felix Okpara is taking his elite defensive talent to the next level.
The Washington Wizards drafted Tennessee basketball's premier shot blocker with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23. The Orlando Magic made the pick before trading Okpara's draft rights to Washington.
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.
Okpara slipped to the second round likely because of his muted offensive game, but he could become a consistent starter because of his athleticism and defensive prowess. He frequently deterred offensive ballhandlers from entering the paint and altered shots around the basket, even if they didn't result in a block.
Okpara also did well contesting shots without fouling too often. He fouled out in both of Tennessee's games in the SEC Tournament, but he typically avoided getting in trouble.
The Vols also asked their defensive centerpiece to switch onto quicker perimeter players. Okpara weighs 237 pounds, yet was agile enough to not get blown by on drives to the basket.
Offensively, he profiles as an athletic lob threat. Okpara didn't showcase much of a faceup or post game, though he won't be asked to be a go-to scorer in the NBA. He also averaged a career-high 2.6 offensive rebounds last season.
Okpara was incredibly durable across his entire college career. He played in 143 games for Ohio State and Tennessee. He started in all 38 games for the Vols in 2024-25, and only missed two games last season while playing 26.9 minutes per game.
Okpara recorded career high averages in points and field goal percentage at 59.7%. He shot 63.5% from the free throw line on 2.1 attempts, which was a decline from his near 72% mark as a junior.
Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: [email protected]
Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks: knoxnews.com/subscribe
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: The Washington Wizards select Tennessee basketball's Felix Okpara in 2026 NBA Draft
Continue reading...
The Washington Wizards drafted Tennessee basketball's premier shot blocker with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23. The Orlando Magic made the pick before trading Okpara's draft rights to Washington.
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.
Felix Okpara scouting report in 2026 NBA Draft
Okpara slipped to the second round likely because of his muted offensive game, but he could become a consistent starter because of his athleticism and defensive prowess. He frequently deterred offensive ballhandlers from entering the paint and altered shots around the basket, even if they didn't result in a block.
Okpara also did well contesting shots without fouling too often. He fouled out in both of Tennessee's games in the SEC Tournament, but he typically avoided getting in trouble.
The Vols also asked their defensive centerpiece to switch onto quicker perimeter players. Okpara weighs 237 pounds, yet was agile enough to not get blown by on drives to the basket.
Offensively, he profiles as an athletic lob threat. Okpara didn't showcase much of a faceup or post game, though he won't be asked to be a go-to scorer in the NBA. He also averaged a career-high 2.6 offensive rebounds last season.
Felix Okpara stats with Tennessee basketball
Okpara was incredibly durable across his entire college career. He played in 143 games for Ohio State and Tennessee. He started in all 38 games for the Vols in 2024-25, and only missed two games last season while playing 26.9 minutes per game.
Okpara recorded career high averages in points and field goal percentage at 59.7%. He shot 63.5% from the free throw line on 2.1 attempts, which was a decline from his near 72% mark as a junior.
Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: [email protected]
Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks: knoxnews.com/subscribe
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: The Washington Wizards select Tennessee basketball's Felix Okpara in 2026 NBA Draft
Continue reading...
