Azubuike’s relocation to Montenegro is a significant turning point in his career as he attempts to bounce back from setbacks and find his footing as a professional basketball player.
Former Kansas Jayhawks center Udoka Azubuike, who has played sparingly during four seasons in the NBA since being selected 27th overall in the 2020 draft, has signed with KK Buducnost Voli, a pro basketball team in Montenegro. Terms of the deal were not revealed.
His contract is believed to be for one season. The 7-foot, 270-pound native of Lagos, Nigeria averaged 2.2 points and 2.0 rebounds in 16 games with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns last season. The former Utah Jazz first-round pick averaged 3.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 68 games with the Jazz over three seasons.
Azubuike, who turns 25 in September, averaged 13.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game during his senior year at KU (2019-20). KK Buducnost Voli is based in Podgorica, Montenegro. The club competes in Montenegrin Basketball League, Adriatic League and EuroCup. “Clearly, the NBA market for his services has proven somewhat finite this summer,” wrote Alex Kirschenbaum of hoopsrumors.com.
“Given that he’s still 24, an impressive international showing could help bolster his value stateside once again, and he might eventually be able to earn his next opportunity here (back in NBA) that way.” According to bvmsports.com: “As he embarks on the 2024-25 season in Montenegro, Azubuike’s performance could dictate his future NBA prospects, potentially leading to a return to the league if he impresses scouts.
Udoka Azubuike’s move to Montenegro marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he seeks to recover from injuries and regain his footing in professional basketball, with hopes of returning to the NBA spotlight.” In a quote translated from the team’s website, a team official stated: “Our team will be his first outside the USA and we hope that the 212 cm tall guy, who is still only 24 years old, will be the fear and trembling of anyone who thinks of entering the racket (paint).”
