NEW YORK – The Detroit Pistons bet on Ebuka Okorie’s scoring and on the edge that comes from being overlooked.
Detroit traded up four spots in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night to select the former Stanford guard with the No. 17 overall pick.
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The Pistons acquired the pick from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the No. 21 selection and three second-round picks.
Okorie, a 6’2” guard from New Hampshire, said after being drafted that his journey to the NBA has been rooted in faith and persistence.
“This moment means a lot,” Okorie said. “The only reason I’m able to get here is by the grace of God. My faith is really big to me. My parents have instilled those values into me.”
The son of Nigerian immigrants, Okorie said he hopes his story can resonate with others who feel overlooked.
“Hopefully I can inspire them, show them that hard work pays off, and to just chase your dreams,” he said.
Okorie arrives in Detroit after a historic freshman season at Stanford, where he became one of college basketball’s most explosive scorers.
He averaged 23.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 46.5% from the field, 35.4% from 3-point range, and 83.2% from the free-throw line.
Okorie finished seventh nationally in scoring, earned first-team All-ACC honors, and was named to the ACC All-Rookie Team.
He said his rise has long been fueled by proving people wrong.
“The story of my life has just been me being overlooked, me continuing to work hard, and then the hard work paying off,” Okorie said. “Me outperforming expectations.”
Okorie said he plans to bring the same approach to the Pistons.
“I’m not expecting anything different to happen here,” Okorie said. “Going to Detroit, I’m going to put the work in. And once I get on the court, I’ll let the work show.”
Okorie’s path included a stop at Brewster Academy, where he became New Hampshire’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
He originally committed to Harvard before enrolling at Stanford, then quickly emerged as the focal point of the Cardinal’s offense.
Now he becomes one of the few NBA players from the Granite State, joining Pistons teammate Duncan Robinson as a New Hampshire native.
“It means a lot, really, to be from New Hampshire and make it all the way to the NBA,” Okorie said. “Dream big. It doesn’t matter where you’re from. You can make it.”
Detroit moved up to get him because of his ability to create offense, a downhill style built on pace, strength, and shotmaking, and the Pistons believe his competitiveness will fit as they continue building around a young core.
Okorie said the goal remains the same as he begins his professional career.
“The work pays off,” Okorie said. “I’m going to put the work in.”