History of Onyeka Okongwu in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 5, 2026

Onyeka Okongwu is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. Prior to his professional career, Okongwu played college basketball for the USC Trojans.

Sections (1)

Full Timeline

December 11, 2000: Onyeka Okongwu's Birth

On December 11, 2000, Onyeka Okongwu was born in America. He is now a professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, after playing college basketball for the USC Trojans.

2014: Brother's Death

In 2014, Onyeka Okongwu's older brother, Nnamdi, sustained a brain injury in a skateboarding accident and later died after spending three days on life support.

May 14, 2018: Okongwu Commits to USC

On May 14, 2018, Onyeka Okongwu committed to USC over offers from UCLA and Arizona State due to the program's proximity and coaching staff, being a highly-rated recruit.

November 5, 2019: Collegiate Debut

On November 5, 2019, Onyeka Okongwu debuted for USC, recording 20 points, 13 rebounds, and a school-record eight blocks in a 77–48 victory over Florida A&M, becoming the first USC player since Taj Gibson in 2006 to post a double-double in his debut.

January 2, 2020: Strong Performance Against Washington State

On January 2, 2020, Okongwu had a strong performance with 27 points and 12 rebounds in a 65–56 win over Washington State.

January 2020: Chino Hills High School Retires Nnamdi's Number

In January 2020, Chino Hills High School retired the number of Onyeka Okongwu's late brother, Nnamdi, in his honor.

March 25, 2020: Okongwu Declares for NBA Draft

On March 25, 2020, Onyeka Okongwu announced that he would enter the 2020 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility, and was considered a top prospect.

November 24, 2020: Okongwu Signs with the Atlanta Hawks

On November 24, 2020, the Atlanta Hawks announced they had signed Onyeka Okongwu, marking the start of his professional career.

July 21, 2021: Shoulder Surgery

On July 21, 2021, the Atlanta Hawks announced that Onyeka Okongwu underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and was expected to be sidelined for approximately six months.

January 13, 2023: Career High Rebounds

On January 13, 2023, Okongwu recorded a career-high 20 rebounds alongside 18 points in a 113–111 win over the Indiana Pacers.

October 23, 2023: Contract Extension

On October 23, 2023, Onyeka Okongwu signed a four-year, $62 million extension with the Atlanta Hawks.

January 14, 2025: 20-20 Game Off the Bench

On January 14, 2025, Onyeka Okongwu had 22 points and 21 rebounds in a 122–117 win over the Phoenix Suns, becoming the first player to record at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game off the bench in Hawks franchise history.

November 13, 2025: Career High Points and Threes

On November 13, 2025, Onyeka Okongwu scored a career-high 32 points, with 11 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks, including 8 three pointers, in the Atlanta Hawks’ 132–122 win over the Utah Jazz. Okongwu became the third player in NBA history to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 8 three pointers in a single game.