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18-year-old James Nnaji continues to show he is NBA-ready with monster performances for Barcelona.
Nigerian basketball player James Ugochukwu Nnaji continues to make history with Barcelona.
The 18-year-old born in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria put in a monster performance for Barcelona basket as they recorded a comfortable 104-70 victory against Real Betis in a Spanish ACB league fixture.
The performance of Nnaji has dominated basketball conversations in Europe and now among scouts in the United States of America (USA).
Barcelona basket Head Coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius decided to name Nnaji in the starting lineup against Betis and the youngster did not disappoint.
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Nnaji shines for Barcelona against Betis
The Nigerian youngster featured for 21 minutes, contributing 16 points and four rebounds.
Nnaji protected the rim with his length and was active on the boards getting encouragement from his teammates and the fans.
The youngster made history on his debut for Barcelona last season when in 19 minutes of action he recorded 10 points, five rebounds, and five blocks
He became the first At 17-year-old to record 4 blocks in a league game with a PIR of 19.
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Nnaji and the NBA
The performance by Nnanji was noticed by some of the best scouts for the NBA.
A statement by popular NBA scout Jonathan Givony on Nnaji said, "Career-high 16 points in 20 minutes for James Nnaji.
"Showed his mobility, strength, and explosiveness with some powerful above-the-rim finishes and some footwork in the low post."
At the age of 18, Nnaji is eligible for the 2023 NBA draft to play in the best basketball league in the world.
He recently signed a contract extension with Barcelona and if he chooses to make the step up the team that selects him will have to pay his release clause.
Nnaji returns to action with Barcelona when they take on Lyon-Villeurbanne in an Euroleague round 18 fixture scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, 2023.
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