Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu
Nigerian basketball player (born 1999)
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Kaodirichi "Kao" Nkemjika Akobundu-Ehiogu (born October 7, 1999) is a Nigerian professional basketball player for Žalgiris of the Lithuanian LKL and the EuroLeague. Standing at 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m), he plays as a center. He previously played college basketball for Nelson University and the Arlington Mavericks.
EuroLeague
Akobundu-Ehiogu with Manresa in 2025 | |
| No. 2 – Žalgiris Kaunas | |
|---|---|
| Position | Center |
| League | LKL EuroLeague |
| Personal information | |
| Born | October 7, 1999 Aboh Mbaise, Nigeria |
Listed height | 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) |
Listed weight | 110 kg (243 lb) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Poteet (Mesquite, Texas, U.S.) |
| College |
|
| 2023: undrafted | |
Playing career | 2023–present |
| Career history | |
| 2023–2024 | Tigers Tübingen |
| 2024–2025 | Varese |
| 2025–2026 | Manresa |
| 2026–present | Žalgiris |
| Career highlights | |
Early life and high school career
Born in Aboh Mbaise, Nigeria, Akobundu-Ehiogu grew up in his hometown before moving to Lagos with his siblings after the passing of his parents.[1][2] He didn't start playing basketball until he moved to the United States with his family in 2012.[3][4] He played high school basketball for Poteet in Mesquite, Texas.[5]
College career
In 2018, he played his first year of college basketball for Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) in Waxahachie, Texas, a member of the NAIA.[4]
After not playing basketball for a year, he joined UT Arlington of the NCAA Division I in 2020. In two seasons with the Mavericks, Akobundu-Ehiogu recorded 134 blocks.[3]
He played a final year of college basketball for the University of Memphis in the 2022–23 season.[5]
Professional career
After finishing his college basketball career, Akobundu-Ehiogu signed a one-season contract with German side Tigers Tübingen in August 2023. With Tübingen, he took part in the 2023–24 season of the Basketball Bundesliga.[6]
In July 2024, he signed for Pallacanestro Varese of the Italian Serie A.[7]
Bàsquet Manresa (2025–2026)
Akobundu-Ehiogu signed a one-season contract with Bàsquet Manresa of the Liga ACB and EuroCup in July 2025.[8] Shortly after the start of the season, his athleticism caught the attention of Spanish media, being dubbed 'the most spectacular player in the ACB'.[2][9]
On July 3, 2026, it was announced that Akobundu-Ehiogu would be participating with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2026 NBA Summer League.[10]
Žalgiris (2026–present)
On August 2, 2026, Akobundu-Ehiogu signed with Žalgiris of the Lithuanian LKL and the EuroLeague.[11]
National team career
Akobundu-Ehiogu has represented the Nigerian national team internationally, taking part in the 2025 AfroBasket in Angola.[12][13]