OG Anunoby

{{short description|British basketball player (born 1997)}}

{{Use British English|date=November 2021}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = OG Anunoby

| image = OG Anunoby (41708749222) (cropped).jpg

| caption = Anunoby with the Toronto Raptors in 2018

| position = Small forward / shooting guard

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 7

| weight_lbs = 240

| league = NBA

| team = New York Knicks

| number = 8

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|7|17|df=y}}

| birth_place = London, England

| high_school = Jefferson City
(Jefferson City, Missouri)

| college = Indiana (2015–2017)

| draft_year = 2017

| draft_round = 1

| draft_pick = 23

| draft_team = Toronto Raptors

| career_start = 2017

| years1 = {{nbay|2017|start}}–{{nbay|2023|start}}

| team1 = Toronto Raptors

| years2 = {{nbay|2023|start}}–present

| team2 = New York Knicks

| highlights = * NBA champion ({{nbafy|2019}})

}}

Ogugua "OG" Anunoby Jr. (born 17 July 1997) is an English professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers. He won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and led the league in steals while being named to his first NBA All-Defensive Team in 2023.

Early life

Ogugua Anunoby was born in London, England, on 17 July 1997, to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent.{{cite news|last=Simmons|first=Steve|date=20 October 2019|title=Raptors quiet man looking to make some noise in new season|newspaper=Toronto Sun|url=https://torontosun.com/sports/basketball/simmons-raptors-quiet-man-looking-to-make-some-noise-in-new-season|access-date=1 December 2019}} His father, Ogugua Sr. (1952–2018), taught as a professor in England at the time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/sport/london-born-nba-star-og-anunoby-wants-to-inspire-british-3782344|title = London-born NBA star OG Anunoby wants to inspire British basketball players|date = 22 November 2017}} His mother, Grace Ndidi Okereke,{{cite web |title=Dr. Ogugua Chigbogu Damian Anunoby |url=https://trimblefunerals.com/obits/dr-ogugua-chigbogu-damian-anunoby/ |website=Trimble Funeral Homes |access-date=14 December 2024}} was a track and field athlete who competed at a national level for Nigeria and died of cancer when Anunoby was one year old.{{Cite web|title=Toronto Raptors rookie OG Anunoby's road to NBA starter|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/og-anunobys-rise-toronto-raptors-starter/|access-date=4 September 2020|website=sportsnet.ca}} At the age of four, Anunoby moved with his family to the U.S. and settled in Jefferson City, Missouri,{{cite web|title=OG Anunoby's path to the NBA exposes the failings in British basketball|date=7 April 2018|work=Real Sports|url=https://realsport101.com/nba-2k/og-anunobys-path-nba-exposes-failings-british-basketball/|access-date=1 December 2019}} where his father was a professor of finance at Lincoln University. His older brother, Chigbo, played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Minnesota Vikings before expressing interest in entering medical school (he ultimately did not attend).{{cite news|last1=Benge|first1=James|date=23 November 2017|title=The NBA Score: OG Anunoby on growing up in London, guarding James Harden and British basketball|publisher=London Evening Standard|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/the-nba-score-og-anunoby-on-growing-up-in-london-guarding-james-harden-and-british-basketball-a3700051.html|access-date=9 April 2018}} Anunoby played football when he was young, but stopped around the age of eight to focus more on basketball because of his height.

Anunoby played for Jefferson City High School.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2016/03/09/unexpected-rise-hoosiers-freshman-og-anunoby/81532446/|title=The unexpected rise of Hoosiers freshman OG Anunoby|first=Zak|last=Keefer|website=The Indianapolis Star}} During his senior season, he averaged 19.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and was named a finalist for Mr Basketball in the state of Missouri.{{cite web|url=http://www.mobca.org/news_article/show/501906?referrer_id=713829-news|title=Mr. Show-Me Finalist|date=10 April 2015|publisher=Mobca.org}} In October 2014, Anunoby chose to attend Indiana University{{Cite web|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2014/10/14/indiana-lands-2015-recruit-og-anunoby/17269593/|title=Hoosiers land 2015 wing OG Anunoby|first=Zach|last=Osterman|website=The Indianapolis Star}} over Georgia, Iowa, George Mason, and Ole Miss.

{{College athlete recruit start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2015}}

{{College athlete recruit entry

| recruit = OG Anunoby

| position = F

| hometown = Jefferson City, MO

| highschool = Jefferson City HS

| feet = 6

| inches = 8

| weight = 235

| commitdate = 14 October 2014

| rivals stars = 3

| 247 stars = 3

| scout stars = 3

| espn stars = 3

}}

{{College athlete recruit end

| year = 2015

| rivals ref title = Indiana Commit List for 2015

| scout ref title = 2015 Indiana Basketball Commits

| espn ref title = Indiana Hoosiers

| 247 ref title = Indiana 2015 Basketball Commits

| scout = http://www.scout.com/2015-basketball-commits?team=Indiana&minimumInterest=Verbal

| espn schoolid = http://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/school/_/id/84/class/2015

| scout overall =

| rivals overall =

| 247 overall =

| espn overall =

| accessdate =

| bball = yes

}}

College career

As a freshman in 2015–16 at Indiana, Anunoby appeared in 34 games, averaging 6.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/hoosier-insider/2016/10/24/og-anunoby-high-hopes-tom-crean-indiana-hoosiers-basketball/92667364/|title=IU player profile: High hope for OG Anunoby|first=Zach|last=Osterman|website=The Indianapolis Star}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/og-anunoby-nba-draft-scouting-report-kawhi-leonard-jimmy-butler/r8fol128kkum1l0ebtwyhs6o7|title=Indiana's OG Anunoby could be the NBA's next great lockdown defender | Sporting News|date=25 March 2016|website=www.sportingnews.com}}

Anunoby was selected as a Pre-season All-American by The Sporting News.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/list/college-basketball-preseason-top-25-poll-duke-kentucky-kansas-villanova/16r396bc1vya61gs594knt4ra8|title=Anunoby Third-Team All-American|date=5 November 2016|publisher=SportingNews.com}} On 18 January 2017, Anunoby injured his right knee against Penn State, causing him to undergo season-ending knee surgery.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/18518896/indiana-og-anunoby-surgery-miss-rest-season|title=Anunoby out for season|date=20 January 2017|work=ESPN.com}} On 10 April 2017, Anunoby declared his intention to enter the 2017 NBA draft and hire an agent, ending his tenure with the Hoosiers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19123502/indiana-hoosiers-og-anunoby-enter-draft-hire-agent|title=Hoosiers' OG Anunoby to enter draft, hire agent|date=10 April 2017|work=ESPN.com}}

Professional career

=Toronto Raptors (2017–2023)=

On 22 June 2017, he was selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors.{{cite web|last1=Loung|first1=Steven|title=Person of Interest: New Raptors draft pick OG Anunoby|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/person-interest-new-raptors-draft-pick-og-anunoby/|website=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=20 October 2017|date=22 June 2017}} On 9 July, he signed his rookie scale contract with the Raptors.{{cite web|title=Raptors Sign First-Round Pick OG Anunoby|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/raptors-sign-og-anunoby/|website=Toronto Raptors|access-date=20 October 2017|date=9 July 2017}} On 14 November, Anunoby made his first career start, against the Houston Rockets.{{cite web|last1=Sharp|first1=Jordan|title=OG Anunoby scores 16 in first career start for RaptorsOG Anunoby scores 16 in first career start for Raptors|url=http://www.numberfire.com/nba/player-news/65063/og-anunoby-scores-16-in-first-career-start-for-raptors/|website=numberfire|access-date=28 February 2018|date=15 November 2017}} He finished the game with 16 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in 30 minutes. By 15 December, he led starter rookies in offensive and defensive rating and had the third highest true shooting percentage and best turnover-to-assist ratio for a non-guard.{{cite web|title=Players General Advanced|url=http://stats.nba.com/players/advanced/?sort=NET_RATING&dir=-1&Season=2017-18&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&PlayerExperience=Rookie&CF=MIN*GE*20|website=nba.com|access-date=9 April 2018}}

On 29 January 2019, Anunoby was named a member of the World Team representing the United Kingdom for the 2019 Rising Stars Challenge.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/article/2019/01/29/2019-mtn-dew-ice-rising-stars-roster-official-release|title=Doncic, Simmons headline Mtn Dew Ice Rising Stars rosters|date=29 January 2019|work=NBA}} In April 2019, Anunoby had an emergency appendectomy,{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/press-release/og-anunoby-injury-update |title=OG Anunoby Injury Update |website=nba.com}} which caused him to miss most of the Raptors' championship playoff run. He dressed for the NBA Finals but did not play as the Raptors went on to win the title,{{Cite web|url=https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/06/og-anunoby-wins-nba-championship-with-toronto-raptors|title=OG Anunoby wins NBA Championship with Toronto Raptors|website=Indiana Daily Student|access-date=16 February 2020}} becoming the first British player to win an NBA championship.

On 1 March 2020, Anunoby scored 32 points and recorded seven steals, along with seven rebounds and three assists in a 133–118 loss against the Denver Nuggets.{{cite web|url=https://hoosierstateofmind.com/2020/03/02/indiana-basketball-og-anunoby-career-night-loss/|title=OG Anunoby has career night in loss|website=Fansided.com|date=2 March 2020|access-date=2 March 2020}} He hit a game-winning buzzer-beater three-pointer on 3 September, in a 104–103 win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics, and finished with 12 points. The buzzer-beater prevented the Raptors from going down to a 0–3 deficit to the Celtics.{{cite news |last1=Geagan |first1=Matthew |title=OG Anunoby Beats Buzzer In Game 3, Raptors Hand Celtics First Loss Of Postseason |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/09/03/raptors-og-anunoby-buzzer-beater-celtics-game-3-nba-playoffs/ |access-date=4 September 2020 |work=CBS |date=4 September 2020}} The Raptors would eventually fall in seven games. On 21 December 2020, he signed a four-year, $72 million extension, through the 2024–25 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2020/12/21/og-anunoby-raptors-agree-to-four-year-contract-extension.html|first=Doug|last=Smith|work=Toronto Star|title=OG Anunoby, Raptors agree to four-year contract extension|date=21 December 2020}} On 24 January 2021, Anunoby scored a season-high 30 points while getting eight rebounds, one assist, five steals, and a block in a 107–102 win against the Indiana Pacers,{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401267409|work=ESPN|title=Anunoby's hot hand helps short-handed Raptors beat Pacers|date=24 January 2021}} joining former Raptor Kawhi Leonard as the only players with multiple games getting 30 points, five rebounds, and five steals in franchise history.{{Cite web|url=https://ca.nba.com/news/og-anunoby-toronto-raptors-forward-joins-kawhi-leonard-in-franchise-history/x24eq08kxsl91c2ir7lunc3jb|first=Kyle|last=Irving|work=ca.nba.com|title=OG Anunoby: Toronto Raptors forward joins Kawhi Leonard in franchise history|date=24 January 2021}} On 1 November, Anunoby scored a career-high 36 points along with 6 rebounds and 2 assists along with the win against the Knicks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.raptorshq.com/2021/11/1/22758645/toronto-raptors-vs-new-york-knicks-final-score-recap-og-anunoby|title = Anunoby's career-high earns Raptors fourth straight win, 113-104 over Knicks|date = 1 November 2021}}

On 25 February 2022, Anunoby was sidelined due to a right finger fracture suffered against the Charlotte Hornets.{{cite news |last1=Wimbish |first1=Jasmyn |title=OG Anunoby injury update: Raptors forward sidelined with fractured right ring finger |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/og-anunoby-injury-update-raptors-forward-sidelined-with-fractured-right-ring-finger/ |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=CBS Sports |date=25 February 2022}} On 3 March, he was ruled out for two weeks to rest his fractured finger.{{Cite web |date=3 March 2022 |title=Sources: Anunoby out two weeks to rest finger |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33414259/toronto-raptors-og-anunoby-least-two-weeks-rest-fractured-finger-sources-say |access-date=3 March 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

On 16 November 2022, Anunoby scored a season-high 32 points during a 112–104 win against the Miami Heat.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/national/story/2022-11-16/anunoby-has-season-high-32-points-raptors-beat-heat-112-104|title=Anunoby has season-high 32 points, Raptors beat Heat 112-104|author=IAN HARRISON|agency=Associated Press|date=17 November 2022|website=San Diego Union-Tribune}} During the 2022–23 season, Anunoby led the league in steals, becoming the first Raptors player and first British player to accomplish the feat.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/former-iu-star-og-anunoby-led-the-nba-in-steals-in-2022-23/|title=Former IU star OG Anunoby led the NBA in steals in 2022-23|date=11 April 2023}} At the end of the season, Anunoby was named for the first time to the NBA All-Defensive Second team.{{Cite web |title=Jaren Jackson Jr. headlines 2022-23 Kia NBA All-Defensive teams |url=https://www.nba.com/news/2022-23-all-defensive-teams-announced |access-date=9 May 2023 |website=NBA.com |language=en}}

=New York Knicks (2023–present)=

On 30 December 2023, Anunoby, along with Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn were traded to the New York Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a second-round pick.{{cite web|title=New York Knicks Acquire OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn. In four games for New York he is 4-0 and people are exclaming he is the perfect fit for this team.|url=https://www.nba.com/knicks/news/new-york-knicks-acquire-og-anunoby-precious-achiuwa-and-malachi-flynn|website=NBA.com|date=30 December 2023|access-date=30 December 2023}} On 1 January 2024, Anunoby made his Knicks debut, putting up 17 points and six rebounds in a 112–106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite web|first=Drew|last=Maresca|title=Biggest takeaways from OG Anunoby's Knicks debut after trade with Raptors|url=https://clutchpoints.com/takeaways-og-anunoby-knicks-debut-raptors-trade|website=ClutchPoints.com|date=1 January 2024|access-date=1 January 2024}} During his first 10 games as a New York Knick, he set an NBA record with a +170 plus–minus for his first 10 games with a new team.{{cite magazine|first=Karl|last=Rasmussen|title=OG Anunoby Makes Impressive NBA History Across First 10 Games With Knicks|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2024/01/19/og-anunoby-makes-impressive-nba-history-first-10-games-knicks|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=18 January 2024|access-date=21 January 2024}} On 8 February 2024, it was announced that Anunoby had surgery on his right elbow to remove a loose bone fragment, sidelining him for a month.{{cite web|first=Fred|last=Katz|title=Knicks' OG Anunoby has surgery to remove loose bone fragment from right elbow|url=https://theathletic.com/5261729/2024/02/08/og-anunoby-knick-surgery-elbow/|work=The Athletic|date=8 February 2024|access-date=9 February 2024}} Anunoby returned to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on 12 March.{{cite web|first=Tim|last=Bontemps|title=Knicks' OG Anunoby, 76ers' Tyrese Maxey return for Tuesday matchup|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39718456/knicks-og-anunoby-76ers-tyrese-maxey-return-tuesday-matchup|website=ESPN|date=12 March 2024|access-date=12 March 2024}} On 24 June 2024, Anunoby declined his $19.9M player option with the Knicks, becoming a free agent.{{cite web|title=BREAKING: New York Knicks Player Will Be A Free Agent|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/breaking-new-york-knicks-player-will-be-a-free-agent-og|website=SI.com|date=24 June 2024|access-date=24 June 2024}}

On 6 July 2024, Anunoby re-signed with the Knicks.{{cite web|title=NEW YORK KNICKS RE-SIGN OG ANUNOBY|url=https://www.nba.com/knicks/news/new-york-knicks-re-sign-og-anunoby|website=NBA.com|date=July 6, 2024|access-date=July 6, 2024}} On 25 November, Anunoby scored a career–high 40 points in a 145–118 win against the Denver Nuggets.{{cite web|last=Faria|first=Nick|title=OG Anunoby Sets New Career High, Knicks Rout Nuggets|url=https://athlonsports.com/nba/new-york-knicks-denver-nuggets-game-recap-jalen-brunson-nikola-jokic|website=athlonsports.com|date=25 November 2024}} As of April 6, Anunoby has scored at least 20 points in a career-high ten straight games.{{Cite web |title=OG Anunoby Game Log |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nba/player/og-anunoby-9602/game-log |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}

Personal life

Anunoby has said, "It's definitely a goal of mine to inspire kids in Great Britain to want to play basketball and show that they can make it to the NBA from Britain."{{Cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/the-nba-score-og-anunoby-on-growing-up-in-london-guarding-james-harden-and-british-basketball-a3700051.html|title = The NBA Score: OG Anunoby talks Harden, London and Raptors|date = 23 November 2017}}

Anunoby is considered one of the best British players to ever play in the NBA.{{Cite web|url=https://sportsbyte.sunderland.ac.uk/2021/02/18/british-basketballs-finest-exports-five-of-the-best-british-nba-players/|title=British basketball's finest exports: five of the best British NBA players|date=18 February 2021|website=SportsByte}}{{Cite web |date=7 October 2020 |title=The Greatest British NBA Players Ever |url=https://www.talkbasket.net/106987-the-greatest-british-nba-players-ever}}

In 2021, Anunoby retired his high school basketball Jersey at Jefferson City High [https://www.newstribune.com/news/2021/sep/12/jays-basketball-legend-anunoby-returns-jersey-reti/ School].

In 2023, Anunoby became a minority stake owner of the London Lions.{{Cite web|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/the-british-team-og-anunoby-just-invested-in-is-an-absolute-juggernaut-202954353.html|title=The British team O.G. Anunoby just invested in is an absolute juggernaut|date=19 April 2023|website=Yahoo Sports}}

Career statistics

{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y}}

=NBA=

==Regular season==

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2017}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto

| 74 || 62 || 20.0 || .471 || .371 || .629 || 2.5 || .7 || .7 || .2 || 5.9

|-

| style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|2018}}†

| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto

| 67 || 6 || 20.2 || .453 || .332 || .581 || 2.9 || .7 || .7 || .3 || 7.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2019}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto

| 69 || 68 || 29.9 || .505 || .390 || .706 || 5.3 || 1.6 || 1.4 || .7 || 10.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2020}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto

| 43 || 43 || 33.3 || .480 || .398 || .784 || 5.5 || 2.2 || 1.5 || .7 || 15.9

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2021}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto

| 48 || 48 || 36.0 || .443 || .363 || .754 || 5.5 || 2.6 || 1.5 || .5 || 17.1

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2022}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto

| 67 || 67 || 35.6 || .476 || .387 || .838 || 5.0 || 2.0 || style="background:#cfecec;"|1.9* || .7 || 16.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;" rowspan=2| {{nbay|2023}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto

| 27 || 27 || 33.3 || .489 || .374 || .717 || 3.9 || 2.7 || 1.0 || .5 || 15.1

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| New York

| 23 || 23 || 34.9 || .488 || .394 || .791 || 4.4 || 1.5 || 1.7 || 1.0 || 14.1

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2024}}

| style="text-align:left;"| New York

| 74 || 74 || 36.6 || .476 || .372 || .810 || 4.8 || 2.2 || 1.5 || .9 || 18.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 492 || 418 || 30.2 || .474 || .375 || .761 || 4.4 || 1.7 || 1.3 || .6 || 12.9

{{S-end}}

==Playoffs==

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2018

| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto

| 10 || 10 || 23.8 || .558 || .448 || .727 || 2.1 || .7 || .6 || .4 || 7.9

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2020

| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto

| 11 || 11 || 35.7 || .455 || .415 || .643 || 6.9 || 1.2 || 1.0 || 1.2 || 10.5

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2022

| style="text-align:left;"| Toronto

| 6 || 6 || 36.1 || .476 || .341 || .750 || 4.0 || 2.5 || 1.0 || .2 || 17.3

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2024

| style="text-align:left;"| New York

| 9 || 9 || 36.0 || .505 || .410 || .615 || 6.0 || 1.1 || .9 || 1.0 || 15.1

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2025

| style="text-align:left;"| New York

| 18 || 18 || 39.2 || .417 || .339 || .810 || 4.6 || 1.3 || 2.0 || 1.2 || 16.3

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 54 || 54 || 34.8 || .460 || .373 || .738 || 4.8 || 1.3 || 1.2 || .9 || 13.5

{{S-end}}

=College=

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2015–16

| style="text-align:left;"| Indiana

| 34 || 0 || 13.7 || .569 || .448 || .476 || 2.6 || .5 || .8 || .8 || 4.9

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2016–17

| style="text-align:left;"| Indiana

| 16 || 10 || 25.1 || .557 || .311 || .563 || 5.4 || 1.4 || 1.3 || 1.3 || 11.1

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 50 || 10 || 17.4 || .563 || .365 || .522 || 3.5 || .8 || 1.0 || .9 || 6.8

{{S-end}}

References

{{reflist}}