The Dallas Mavericks are adding former Memphis Tigers forward Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu to their 2023 Summer League roster.
The 6-foot-10, 210-pound Nigerian product will have an opportunity with Dallas this summer to earn a contract. He is the third Memphis Tigers player this year to join a summer league roster, the first two being Kendric Davis and Elijah McCadden.
KAO’s Time in College
The forward posted 3.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game in his three years of collegiate basketball. Akobundu-Ehiogu spent his first two seasons playing 20 minutes per game at UT Arlington before transferring to Memphis.
KAO would come off the bench behind Chandler Lawson and Malcolm Dandridge. He averaged around two rebounds and two blocks in 30 games with the Tigers last season. He would then stun Memphis Tigers fans by declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. As a result, he would go undrafted.
Needed Improvements
Akobundu-Ehiogu did not receive much playing time at Memphis, which brought up some concerns.
Firstly, the forward played about 10 minutes a game under coach Penny Hardaway and did not produce many rebounds while in action. Secondly, He did not shoot from the outside in his time, scoring mostly in the paint or from the free-throw line. Lastly, KAO had occasional troubles with not fouling and being in foul trouble.
What KAO Brings
Although, KAO brings great rim protection and athleticism with his frame as well as efficiency with scoring in the paint. Those factors made it evident that he would be under some teams’ radar after the draft.
He will play a good deal of minutes to have the chance to unlock his full potential this summer. The Mavericks have been in search of their center for the future and KAO has a chance to prove himself to the team. At most, the forward can potentially earn a two-way deal and develop in the G-League.
What’s Next for KAO
For now, KAO will have his first test as the Mavericks will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder and 2022 second-overall pick Chet Holmgren. The matchup takes place this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
The forward will have from July 8 to July 17 to prove to the Mavericks that he is worth signing to the organization.
