A 26-year-old, 208 cm tall basketball player has signed a one-year contract with the option to extend it for another year (1+1).
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This summer, the tall player had signed a contract with Ljubljana’s “Cedevita Olimpija,” but the contract’s provision allowing a move to a EuroLeague club opened the way for K. Akobundu-Ehiogu to transfer to Kaunas.
“Several reasons led to the contract signing. One of them is that he has completely different qualities than our other big men. Another thing is that from last year we know that during the season, if we decide to strengthen the team, the market is very difficult. No one lets go of good players, and we don’t want bad ones either. We decided to make this investment before the season,” said Žalgiris sports director Gediminas Navickas about the signed contract with the newcomer.
“I am very happy to become part of the green and white family. I can’t wait to experience the crazy atmosphere. I am ready to give my all!” said the team’s newcomer in his first message to Žalgiris fans.
The center forward from Nigeria played last season for Manresa’s BAXI club in Spain.
In the EuroCup, his stats were 4.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 6.5 efficiency rating per 13.5 minutes.
In the ACB league, K. Akobundu-Ehiogu scored 4.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 6.4 efficiency rating in the same playing time.
This offseason, the tall player also played in the NBA Summer League, where he impressed with spectacular flights and dunks.
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K. Akobundu-Ehiogu appeared three times on the court wearing the “Dallas Mavericks” jersey episodically, and in two other games, playing 22 and 21 minutes, he scored 16 and 12 points respectively.
He also played three games in the qualifiers for the 2027 World Championship, representing Nigeria and averaging 6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 15 minutes.
The center, known for impressive dunks and blocked shots, aims for the Guinness World Records. K. Akobundu-Ehiogu is the only person in the world who has touched the top of a standard basketball backboard and recorded it on video.
The video recorded in 2023 shows that K. Akobundu-Ehiogu reached a bar at a height of 3.96 meters. Read more about it here.
Žalgiris newcomer was also evaluated by two-time EuroLeague champion Martynas Gecevičius in an interview with 15min.
“He is the kind of player we roughly needed, but you don’t know what you will ultimately get from him,” M. Gecevičius said with a smile to 15min. “The fact is that Žalgiris needed another big man. I have always held that opinion. Another question is that there are now fourteen players on the roster. That is a huge number, significantly changing the situation that the coaching staff will have to manage. I think this addition will definitely strengthen the front line somewhat and give the coach more options. Of course, the question remains how this newcomer Kaodirichis will look on the court. I don’t think we should expect any miracles, but Žalgiris has gained some insurance. If things don’t work out with Marek Blaževič and Jonas Valančiūnas, now Ąžuolas Tubelis wouldn’t have to suffer alone in the fifth position. This move by Žalgiris is logical and interesting if it proves successful.”
