Tobe Awaka, a 6‑foot‑8 forward who went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, has agreed to a two‑way contract with the Chicago Bulls, the organization announced on Thursday.
College roots and draft journey
Awaka’s college career started in Knoxville, where he spent two seasons under veteran coach Rick Barnes at the University of Tennessee before deciding to transfer to the University of Arizona for his final year of eligibility.
During his sophomore season with the Volunteers, he averaged 5.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, emerging as the team’s second‑leading offensive rebounder despite often coming off the bench.
Notable performances
His impact was evident in a February contest against Missouri, where he posted 18 points and 10 rebounds, and later in the NCAA Tournament when his 10 points, five rebounds and a block helped Tennessee defeat Texas.
Head coach Rick Barnes recalled the forward’s tenacity from the first AAU game he witnessed, noting that Awaka’s energy and defensive intensity have always set him apart.
The Bulls will now give the undrafted prospect an opportunity to showcase his skills in the Summer League and during training camp, a crucial stepping stone for a player hoping to carve out a role on the roster.