Births on February 10

Josh Akognon, American basketball player

Joshua Emmanuel Akognon, born on February 10, 1986, is a distinguished Nigerian-American professional basketball player renowned for his electrifying offensive skills and his impactful tenure as a point guard across various top-tier leagues globally. Standing at 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), Akognon's career is a testament to overcoming size disadvantages with exceptional talent and relentless determination, particularly noted for his scoring prowess and agility, often displaying an impressive ability to create his own shot and shoot from long range.

A Journey Through College Basketball Excellence

Akognon's collegiate career was marked by significant development and achievement across two distinct programs. He initially showcased his potential at Washington State University, competing in the Pac-10 Conference, before transferring to Cal State Fullerton, where he truly blossomed into a dominant force. At Cal State Fullerton, competing in the demanding Big West Conference, Akognon became one of the nation's most exciting guards.

• NCAA Tournament Appearance: In 2008, he played a pivotal role in leading Cal State Fullerton to the prestigious NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, a significant milestone for the program. This appearance highlighted his ability to perform in high-stakes situations.
• Big West Player of the Year: His senior year, the 2008-2009 season, saw him lead the entire Big West Conference in scoring with an impressive average of 22.4 points per game. This prolific scoring output earned him the coveted Big West Player of the Year award, underscoring his status as one of college basketball's elite offensive threats and a key player to watch for professional scouts.

Professional Career: A Global Basketball Odyssey

Despite going undrafted in the 2009 NBA Draft, Joshua Akognon embarked on an extensive and successful professional career that spanned multiple continents and prestigious leagues, showcasing his adaptability and consistent high-level performance. His journey reflects the path of many talented players who find significant success and build impressive careers outside of the NBA's direct spotlight.

Key Chapters in Akognon's Pro Career:

• NBA D-League and Glimpses of the NBA: Akognon spent time in the NBA Development League (now G-League) with teams like the Canton Charge and Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he honed his skills and aimed for an NBA call-up. He notably had a preseason stint with the Dallas Mavericks in 2012-13, participating in training camp and preseason games, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level, even if a regular-season roster spot proved elusive.
• Impact in China (CBA): He gained significant recognition and established himself as a star player in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), a league renowned for its fast pace and high-scoring guards. He played for several prominent teams including the Guangdong Southern Tigers, Qingdao Eagles, and Foshan Dralions. In China, his explosive scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, often made him a fan favorite and a primary offensive weapon for his teams, regularly posting high scoring averages.
• European Leagues: Akognon also left his mark in various top European leagues, known for their tactical play and strong competition. He played for Virtus Bologna in Italy's Lega Basket Serie A, one of Europe's historic basketball leagues. More recently, his tenure included playing for Montakit Fuenlabrada in Spain's highly competitive Liga ACB, which is widely regarded as one of the strongest domestic leagues globally, showcasing his ability to perform against elite international talent. He also had stints in other competitive European leagues, including with Bnei Herzliya in Israel and Enisey Krasnoyarsk in Russia, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and reliable international guard. His time with Fuenlabrada marked one of his more recent professional assignments, demonstrating his sustained presence in top-tier basketball.

Representing Nigeria on the International Stage

As a Nigerian-American, Joshua Akognon proudly represented the Nigeria national basketball team, affectionately known as the D'Tigers, on numerous occasions. His international contributions highlight his dual heritage and commitment to global basketball, where he served as a key backcourt player.

• Olympic Appearance: A significant career highlight was his participation with the D'Tigers in the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Competing on the world's biggest stage, he contributed his scoring and playmaking skills against some of the best national teams globally, representing his ancestral homeland with distinction.
• FIBA Africa Championship: He also represented Nigeria in the FIBA Africa Championship (AfroBasket), helping to elevate Nigerian basketball's standing on the continental stage and contributing to their efforts in qualifying for major international tournaments.

Player Profile: The Dynamic Point Guard

Despite his height of 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), which is often considered undersized for a professional basketball player, Akognon carved out a successful and extensive career through sheer skill, athleticism, and exceptional basketball intelligence. His strengths as a point guard, which allowed him to thrive against taller opponents, include:

• Elite Scoring: Known for his ability to create his own shot off the dribble and score from various ranges, Akognon was particularly dangerous as a three-point shooter, capable of hitting contested shots from deep.
• Ball-Handling and Playmaking: Excellent control of the ball, coupled with a quick first step, allowed him to navigate defenses, drive to the basket, and also set up teammates for scoring opportunities.
• Speed and Agility: His quickness and explosive athleticism enabled him to penetrate defenses effectively and defend smaller, faster guards with intensity.
• Leadership: Often tasked with directing the offense and making crucial decisions in crunch time, he consistently demonstrated the leadership qualities essential for a primary ball-handler.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua Akognon

When was Joshua Akognon born?

Joshua Akognon was born on February 10, 1986.

What is Joshua Akognon's nationality?

He holds dual nationality, being both Nigerian and American, and has represented Nigeria internationally.

What position did Joshua Akognon play?

He primarily played as a point guard, known for his dynamic scoring and playmaking abilities from the backcourt.

Which colleges did Joshua Akognon attend?

He played college basketball for both Washington State University and Cal State Fullerton, where he earned Big West Player of the Year honors.

What was Joshua Akognon's last professional team?

His last recorded professional team was Montakit Fuenlabrada in Spain's highly competitive Liga ACB.

Did Joshua Akognon play in the NBA?

While he had a preseason stint with the Dallas Mavericks, he did not play in a regular season NBA game. He did, however, play extensively and successfully in the NBA D-League.

Did Joshua Akognon play internationally for Nigeria?

Yes, he proudly represented the Nigeria national basketball team (the D'Tigers), including at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and in the FIBA Africa Championship.