Tobe Awaka

Tobe Awaka
Awaka with Tennessee in 2024
No. 19 – Chicago Bulls
PositionPower forward
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born (2004-01-30) January 30, 2004 (age 22)
Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
Listed height
6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Listed weight
250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High schoolCardinal Hayes
(Bronx, New York)
College
2026: undrafted
Playing career
2026–present
Career history
2026–presentChicago Bulls
2026–present→Windy City Bulls
Career highlights
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Tobe Awaka (born January 30, 2004) is an American basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers and Arizona Wildcats.

Early life and high school

During his senior year, Awaka averaged 19.2 points and 13.9 rebounds per game, where he was named the New York Gatorade Player of the Year. Coming out of high school, he was unranked where he committed to play college basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers over other schools such as Maryland, Pittsburgh, and St. John’s.

College career

Tennessee

As a freshman in 2022-23, Awaka averaged 3.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. In the second round of the 2024 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, he notched ten points and five rebounds versus Texas. During the 2023-24 season, Awaka averaged 5.1 points and 4.6 rebounds coming off the bench. After the season, he entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.

Arizona

Awaka transferred to play for the Arizona Wildcats. On November 9, 2024, he totaled 18 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in a victory over Old Dominion. On January 18, 2025, Awaka posted eight points and 14 rebounds in 26 minutes against Texas Tech. On February 4, he notched 14 points and nine rebounds in a victory versus BYU. On February 8, Awaka recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds in a win against Texas Tech. On February 17, he recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds in 32 minutes of a win over Baylor.

Professional career

After going undrafted in the 2026 NBA draft, Awaka signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls on July 3, 2026.

Personal life

Awaka is the son of Sunny and Henrietta Awaka. He is a Christian.

References

  1. 1 2 Sparks, Adam. "Tennessee basketball lands commitment from 6-8 forward Tobe Awaka". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  2. 1 2 Wilson, Mike. "Tobe Awaka enters transfer portal after two Tennessee basketball seasons". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  3. ↑ Wilson, Mike. "Tobe Awaka not returning to Tennessee basketball after committing to Arizona". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  4. ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "Tennessee transfer forward Tobe Awaka takes visit to Arizona Wildcats". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  5. ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "New Wildcat Tobe Awaka found out how to beat the heat, while bonding with new teammates". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  6. ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "Arizona Wildcats' Tobe Awaka navigating the art of playing physical without fouling". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  7. ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "Arizona Wildcats' center Tobe Awaka welcomes challenges on and off court". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  8. ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "Hard-nosed Arizona center Tobe Awaka gains recognition before all-Wildcat showdown in Kansas". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  9. ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "Arizona's Tobe Awaka named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  10. ↑ Sherman, Ben. "Tennessee transfer making big impact for Arizona". Arizona Wildcats on SI. SI.com. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Bulls Complete Two-Way Deal With Tobe Awaka". hoopsrumors.com. July 3, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Tobe Awaka". Retrieved January 17, 2026.
  13. ↑ Claybourn, Cole. "Tobe Awaka helping lead No. 1 Arizona while also helping lead others closer to Christ". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved January 17, 2026.