Felix Okpara was selected by the Washington Wizards with the 46th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a spot that opened after the Orlando Magic traded his rights to Washington.
The Nigerian‑born defender arrived in the United States as a teenager, making his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, before enrolling at Ohio State and later the University of Tennessee.
After two seasons with the Buckeyes, Okpara transferred to Knoxville, where he became a cornerstone of the Volunteers' defense and earned All‑SEC Defensive Team recognition.
Defensive Anchor
During his senior year he posted career‑high averages of 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 59.7% from the field.
While his offensive repertoire remains limited, his athleticism, durability and shot‑blocking prowess have positioned him as a defensive specialist with NBA upside.
Okpara joins a growing list of Tennessee alumni drafted in 2026, following Nate Ament and Ja'Kobi Gillespie, underscoring the Volunteers' increasing pipeline to the league.