Obinna Ekufu continued his rapid rise on the international stage this week, showcasing elite physical tools at the 2026 Basketball Without Borders All-Star Camp in Los Angeles.
Originally out of Haringey Heat before developing at Barking Abbey, Ekufu has steadily climbed the British pathway — including selection to the Hoopsfix All-Star Classic last summer — and is now firmly on the global radar.
Testing in Los Angeles underlined why.
The 6’5” wing measured a 7-foot wingspan and recorded a near 40-inch max vertical, elite numbers that reinforce the defensive identity that first brought him attention.
“I feel like I’m a better player because it’s a constant reminder that there are players better than me and players worse than me, and there are different parts of my game that I need to work on,” Ekufu told Hoopsfix.
The NBA and FIBA-run camp places the top high school prospects from around the world in front of league coaches and evaluators — a stage Ekufu appeared comfortable on.
His appearance follows a standout showing at Basketball Without Borders Europe in Manchester last summer, where he was named Defensive Player of the Camp and selected to the All-Star Five — a rare achievement for an English prospect.
“It’s history,” Ekufu said of representing England on the global stage. “I feel like I’m one of the first English players to do well in these camps, to win awards and all these types of things, so I feel great.”
Currently attending Sagemont Prep in Florida, Ekufu’s next move remains undecided.
“We’ll see if I’m playing Division I next season or heading back to Europe. We will see in the near future.”
When asked about his inspirations, he pointed to Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson – a stylistic comparison that reflects Ekufu’s length, explosiveness and defensive upside.
With the NBA exploring the possibility of a European league in the coming years, Ekufu believes the timing could be significant for British players.
“I’m really excited, and I know British basketball has needed some help. I feel like the NBA coming to Europe could be a major help… Me personally, I would love to play in the NBA and be at home at the same time.”
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