Where is og anunoby from

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: OG Anunoby was born in London, England, on July 17, 1997. He grew up in the London borough of Lewisham and attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Sidcup before moving to the United States for high school basketball.

Key Facts

Born in London, England on July 17, 1997
Grew up in Lewisham borough of London
Attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Sidcup
Moved to United States for high school at age 15
Selected 23rd overall in 2017 NBA Draft

Overview

OG Anunoby is a professional basketball player currently playing in the NBA, known for his defensive prowess and versatile skills. Born on July 17, 1997, in London, England, Anunoby's journey to professional basketball represents an interesting international path that began in the United Kingdom before developing in the American basketball system. His full name is Ogugua "OG" Anunoby Jr., with his first name meaning "God's time" in the Igbo language of Nigeria, reflecting his family's Nigerian heritage.

Anunoby grew up in the London borough of Lewisham, where he initially focused on soccer and track before discovering basketball around age 12. His father, Ogugua Anunoby Sr., was a professor at the University of Nigeria and later worked in London, while his mother, Ngozi, worked as a nurse. The family's Nigerian background and London upbringing created a unique cultural foundation that would later influence Anunoby's approach to basketball and life as an international athlete competing at the highest level.

How It Works

Anunoby's path from London to the NBA involved several key transitions and developments that shaped his career trajectory.

Early Development in London: Anunoby began playing organized basketball at age 12 with the London-based club team London Leopards. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Sidcup, where he played for the school team while also competing for the London Leopards in youth competitions. During this period, he grew from approximately 5'10" to 6'5" between ages 15-16, which significantly impacted his basketball potential and development timeline.
Transition to American Basketball: At age 15, Anunoby moved to the United States to attend Jefferson City High School in Missouri, where he lived with a host family. This move was facilitated by his older brother, Chigbo, who had played college football in the United States. In his senior year at Jefferson City, Anunoby averaged 19.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, earning All-State honors and attracting college recruitment attention from multiple Division I programs.
College Career at Indiana University: Anunoby committed to Indiana University, where he played for the Hoosiers from 2015-2017. As a freshman, he appeared in 34 games, averaging 4.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 13.7 minutes per game. His sophomore season showed significant improvement, with averages of 11.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 16 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury in January 2017 that required surgery.
NBA Draft and Professional Career: Despite the injury, Anunoby declared for the 2017 NBA Draft and was selected 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors. He made his NBA debut on October 19, 2017, against the Chicago Bulls, scoring 2 points in 17 minutes. His rookie season included 74 games played with 62 starts, averaging 5.9 points and 2.5 rebounds while establishing himself as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders.

Key Comparisons

Feature	London Basketball Development	American Basketball Development
Age Started Playing	12 years old (relatively late)	Typically 5-8 years old (early start)
Competition Level	Local club teams and school competitions	High school state championships, AAU circuits
Exposure to Scouts	Limited to European/UK scouts	Extensive NCAA and NBA scout networks
Training Facilities	Community centers and school gyms	Specialized basketball facilities with year-round access
Path to Professional	European leagues or British Basketball League	NCAA to NBA draft pipeline

Why It Matters

International Player Development: Anunoby's journey demonstrates how international players can successfully transition to the NBA through the American college system. His path from London to Indiana University to the NBA has inspired other UK basketball prospects, with British NBA players increasing from just 2 in 2010 to over 10 by 2023. This represents a 400% increase in British representation in the world's premier basketball league.
Defensive Revolution: Anunoby has established himself as one of the NBA's elite defenders, earning All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2023. His defensive versatility allows him to guard positions 1 through 5, with opponents shooting just 42.3% when defended by him during the 2022-2023 season. This defensive impact has made him a valuable asset in the modern NBA where switchable defenders are increasingly important.
Cultural Representation: As one of the most prominent British-born NBA players, Anunoby represents the growing globalization of basketball. He is part of a new generation of UK athletes who have chosen basketball over traditional British sports like soccer or rugby, with basketball participation in England increasing by 15% between 2016-2022 according to Sport England statistics.

Looking forward, Anunoby's career continues to evolve as he enters his prime playing years. His development from a London schoolboy to an NBA starter demonstrates the increasing global pathways in professional basketball. As the sport continues to internationalize, stories like Anunoby's will become more common, potentially changing how young athletes worldwide approach their development and career choices in basketball and beyond.