Chikezie Jake "KZ" Okpala was born on April 28,1999 and is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association.
18 Facts About KZ Okpala
2.
KZ Okpala was born to Nigerian parents Martin and Mary KZ Okpala, who settled in Orange County, California before his birth.
3.
KZ Okpala began playing basketball at age 4 but did not join a youth league because he found them unruly.
4.
KZ Okpala grew up playing the game against adults at fitness clubs and parks.
5.
KZ Okpala played football and baseball in his childhood before focusing on basketball by age 11.
6.
KZ Okpala scored a career-high 46 points against Crossroads School, which set a school record.
7.
On March 26,2017, KZ Okpala led Esperanza to its first California Interscholastic Federation Division II championship, scoring 22 points versus Moreau Catholic High School.
8.
KZ Okpala was named Crestview League Player of the Year and played at the Ballislife All-American Game.
9.
KZ Okpala was a consensus four-star recruit and one of the top high school players in California.
10.
KZ Okpala received an offer from Stanford in July 2016, shortly before committing there.
11.
KZ Okpala missed his first 11 games of his freshman season at Stanford because of academic ineligibility.
12.
Six days later, KZ Okpala earned Pac-12 Conference player of the week recognition.
13.
KZ Okpala was drafted by the Phoenix Suns with the 32nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft but was after traded to the Miami Heat.
14.
KZ Okpala played in two of the Heat's first four games, but missed 19 games due to an Achilles strain.
15.
In December 2019, KZ Okpala was assigned to the Heat's G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
16.
KZ Okpala averaged 11.7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in 20 appearances with the Skyforce.
17.
On February 9,2022, KZ Okpala was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for draft considerations.
18.
On September 14,2022, KZ Okpala signed with the Sacramento Kings.