Obinna Ekezie

Obinna Ekezie

Personal information
Born	(1975-08-22) August 22, 1975 Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria Origin = Obor, Orlu, Imo State
Nationality	Nigerian/American
Listed height	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight	268 lb (122 kg)
Career information
High school	Worcester Academy (Worcester, Massachusetts)
College	Maryland (1995–1999)
NBA draft	1999: 2nd round, 37th overall pick
Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies
Playing career	1999–2007
Position	Center
Career history
1999–2000	Vancouver Grizzlies
2000–2001	Washington Wizards
2001	Dallas Mavericks
2001–2002	Los Angeles Clippers
2002–2003	Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
2004–2005	Columbus Riverdragons (D-League)
2005	Atlanta Hawks
2006	Virtus Roma (Italy)
2006–2007	Dynamo Moscow (Russia)
Stats  at NBA.com
Stats  at Basketball-Reference.com

Obinna Ralph Ekezie (born August 22, 1975) is a Nigerian former professional basketball player who played in the NBA and other leagues. His name, Obinna, means "Father´s heart". He is a direct descendant of the 19th century Igbo warrior and businessman Duruike Akubugali, hence hails from Obor Autonomous Community in Orlu Urban Local Government Area of Imo State.

Career

A 6'9" 270 lb center, Ekezie was selected with the 37th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies after playing with the Maryland Terrapins from 1995–1999. Obinna prepared for college at Worcester Academy, graduating in 1995.

Ekezie played for five NBA teams (1999–2005), and also professionally with Red Star Belgrade (Serbia), Lottomatica Roma (Italy), and Dynamo Moscow.

Ekezie is the founder of ZeepTravel, an online business allowing travel services for those going to and from America and Africa.

External links

• NBA.com player profile
• College & NBA stats @ basketballreference.com
• Dynamo player profile