James Nnaji Biography: Spouse, Parents, Salary, Age, Net Worth, Basketball Team, Siblings, Awards

James Ugochukwu Nnaji, commonly known as James Nnaji, is a Nigerian professional basketball player.

He began his basketball career in Makurdi before joining the Ratgeber Basketball Academy in Hungary at 14.

Nnaji later transitioned to FC Barcelona, where he competed for both the senior and second teams. In the 2023 NBA Draft, he was selected 31st overall by the Detroit Pistons and subsequently traded to the Charlotte Hornets.

He is playing for Girona in Spain’s Liga ACB on loan from Barcelona. As part of a three-team trade, he has now been acquired by the New York Knicks.

Profile

• Full Name: James Ugochukwu Nnaji
• Stage Name: James Nnaji
• Born: 14 August 2004
• Age: 20 years old
• Birthplace: Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Occupation: Nigerian professional basketball player
• Height: 2.11 m
• Parent: Mr. and Mrs. Nnaji.
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

James Ugochukwu Nnaji was born on August 14, 2004, in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. While specific details about his parents and potential siblings remain undisclosed, they are referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Nnaji.

His formal educational background is not widely documented, but his early passion for basketball was evident as he began playing the sport in Nigeria.

At 14, Nnaji moved to Hungary to join the Ratgeber Basketball Academy, marking the beginning of his structured training and exposure to international basketball. Nnaji is of Igbo descent, an ethnic group in Nigeria, and he identifies as a Christian.

Career

James Nnaji’s journey to professional basketball began in his hometown, where his talent was discovered through a viral Facebook video showcasing his skills at a basketball camp.

This exposure led to an opportunity to train at the Ratgeber Basketball Academy in Hungary 2018 at just 14 years old.

His time at the academy was instrumental in refining his skills and preparing him for international competition, laying the foundation for his future career.

In 2020, Nnaji took a significant step forward by joining FC Barcelona, initially playing for the club’s second team in the EBA league.

His rapid development earned him a spot on the senior team, where he debuted during the 2021-22 season.

He won key titles with Barcelona, including the 2022 Spanish National Cup and the 2022-23 Spanish National Championship.

His performances in the EuroLeague and the Adidas Next Generation Tournament further solidified his reputation as a rising star, earning him a place on the All-Tournament Team.

Nnaji’s potential caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection as the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, who then traded him to the Charlotte Hornets.

Despite being drafted, he continues to develop in Europe, playing for Girona in Spain’s Liga ACB on loan from Barcelona.

His recent inclusion in a three-team trade that sent him to the New York Knicks, alongside high-profile players like Karl-Anthony Towns, underscores his growing value in professional basketball.

As he continues to refine his game, Nnaji remains a promising prospect with the potential for a successful NBA career.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @jamesnnaji_

Personal Life

James Nnaji’s relationship status remains private, as no publicly available information regarding a girlfriend or personal relationships exists.

He has kept his life out of the spotlight, with no confirmed details from public sources or media reports.

Net Worth

James Nnaji’s exact net worth and financial status are not publicly available.

However, as a recent NBA draft pick and a professional player on loan to Girona from FC Barcelona, his earnings are likely derived from his basketball contracts and potential endorsements.

While specific financial details remain undisclosed, his status as an emerging talent suggests a growing financial portfolio.