Height:       6'8

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Position:    Forward

 

Years Pro:  2

Country: Nigeria

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Last team: BULLS

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Originally brought here to play for Rotorua Boys High School, 6'8 forward KC Nwafor was a handy big man for the school and the Waikato Association, playing both age group and secondary school national competitions. 

 

Last year after leaving school in 2022, his focus tuned to transforming himself into an NBL player under coach Dan Sokolovsky and will now take the next step under Coach Sebastian Gleim as he signs as an import for the Franklin Bulls in #SalsNBL 2024. 

 

Nwafor has been in New Zealand since he was 16 and although he has been here for nearly 5 years, competed in Nationals and been invited to NZ age group camps, he remains as an import player. The NBL rules state that players must be eligible for National selection to play as a local player or meet the conditions for Pacific players. This means Nwafor won't be able to play Rapid League (the NBL development league) either so will be tasked with having to out perform other imports for a roster spot... A challenge Nwafor is accepting.

 

"We are disappointed KC can't play in the development Rapid League program. He's a developing player with a massive up side and RL would be a great place for him to play and execute what he's learning, but he's determined to do what he needs to do to compete this season." Says Bulls Co-Founder Scott Kelso

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The league and the teams decided not to allow imports to play Rapid league to ensure kiwi players were given priority, which is something the Bulls support.The Bulls however requested the League considered making an exception for players in KC's situation. This was denied for 2024, but the team are committed to have the league review it again in 2025, especially due to the unique circumstances. 

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Nwafor hasn't been back to Nigeria since leaving to pursue his basketball dreams in 2019 and is looking to become a New Zealand resident and hopefully one-day be considered a local player. 

 

KC will join Rotorua High School teammate, Christian Vano in the Bulls squad.