By Ejike Eze, Ph.D.
On Wednesday June 23, 2021, Boston Celtics, one of the most celebrated teams in the NBA, announced that it has hired Nigerian-American, Ime Udoka, as head coach to replace Brad Stevens who transitioned to the position of Head of Basketball Operations. Udoka is the first Nigerian-American to be appointed to the position of head coach in the NBA. Nigerians in the United States and around the world are excited about this announcement, which is clearly another notch in the belt of high-flying Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Udoka was born on August 9, 1977 to a Nigerian father and an American mother, and has represented Nigeria in international basketball competitions, including the 2006 FIBA World Championships. Udoka embraces his Nigerian origin and epitomizes all that is good in Nigerian parenting. In a rave review of Udoka as part of the screening process, NBA executive and USA national coach, Gregg Popovich, described Udoka as a “fundamentally sound teacher” who is comfortable in his own skin. According to Popovich, Udoka “exudes a confidence and a comfort in his own skin where people just gravitate to him”.
Before landing the prestigious position in Boston, Udoka had an illustrious basketball career from college to the NBA where he played for the Portland Blazer, starting in 75 games during the 2006–07 season. He played 28.6 minutes per game while averaging 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals. He also played for the San Antonio Spurs and the New Jersey Nicks before retiring from the league. His coaching career includes assistant coaching positions for the Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.
Nigerian Parents Magazine welcomes Udoka to Boston and wishes him a very successful career in the City.
Congratulations Ime Udoka and welcome to Celtics Nation.
This Post Has 17 Comments
Congratulations, Ime Udoka !!!
Congratulations our dear son. This is just the beginning of the greater heights God has prepared for you. Again big congratulations to you our dear son. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Biggest congratulations to our beloved son. You have made us very proud.
Another championship coming to Boston. Congrats
Congratulations and best wishes to our illustrious son IME, God almighty will grant you wisdom and grace to discharge your new responsibility! We are proud of you 👏
Congratulations Ime, we are proud of your achievements! Go get a ring!
Another NBA ring is coming to Boston.
Congratulations
My sincere Congratulations to coach Ime Udoka on his elevation as head coach of Boston Celtic. The news of his appointment came to us with great joy and happiness, he has made Ndigbo and Nigeria proud. I wish him good luck and success in his new assignment. Hon. Chukwudike Abraham
Ime…May God support you through any negativity..May God assist you through pressure and May God sustain you and shield your success at the top. Arthur Obikudu is praying for you.
We watched you play at SacTown many times. Good luck with this new assignment. Your best days are ahead of you.
Congratulations my brother; thanks for making us proud again.
Congrats lme on your new job! Every Nigerian everywhere is so happy and very proud of you! We give God the Glory for this great honor. I know and believe that things will turn around for the Celtics team! Go Get the Ring!!😛😛👏👏👍🏿
Congratulations Udoka, can’t wait to see you in action- bringing the Celtics young stars- Jason Tatum, J Brown and others to another championship. Solidly behind you, broh!
Please accept my good wishes and congratulations. It delights to hear .
Please accept my good wishes and congratulations. It delights to hear this goog news.
Congratulations my dear brother. Nigerian are proud of you. May God guide and protect you throughout this journey.