OG Anunoby

Ogugua “OG” Anunoby Jr. (born July 17, 1997) is a British professional basketball player for the New York Knicks. Known for his elite defensive versatility and stoic demeanor, Anunoby has evolved from a defensive specialist into one of the most impactful two-way forwards in the NBA. As of February 2026, he remains a cornerstone of the Knicks’ championship aspirations.

Early Life 

Family

Anunoby was born in London, England, to Nigerian parents. His mother passed away when he was only one year old, and at age four, he moved with his father to Jefferson City, Missouri. Athleticism runs in the family; his older brother, Chigbo AnunobyOG Anunoby: The Modern Defensive Prototype

Ogugua “OG” Anunoby Jr. (born July 17, 1997) is a British professional basketball player for the New York Knicks. Known for his elite defensive versatility and stoic demeanor, Anunoby has evolved from a defensive specialist into one of the most impactful two-way forwards in the NBA. As of February 2026, he remains a cornerstone of the Knicks’ championship aspirations.

Early Life and Family

Anunoby was born in London, England, to Nigerian parents. His mother passed away when he was only one year old, and at age four, he moved with his father to Jefferson City, Missouri. Athleticism runs in the family; his older brother, Chigbo, played in the NFL for several teams. OG initially played football but switched focus to basketball by age eight due to his burgeoning height. He attended Jefferson City High School, where he became a finalist for Missouri’s Mr. Basketball before committing to Indiana University.

College Career

Anunoby played two seasons for the Indiana Hoosiers (2015–2017). Although a knee injury cut his sophomore season short, his defensive potential, specifically his ability to switch across all five positions, made him a top NBA prospect. On June 22, 2017, the Toronto Raptors selected him with the 23rd overall pick.

NBA Career

Toronto Raptors (2017–2023)

Anunoby quickly became a starter in Toronto, known for his “3-and-D” skillset. Although he missed the Raptors’ 2019 playoff run due to an emergency appendectomy, he earned an NBA Championship ring as a key part of the team’s regular-season success.

His individual breakout occurred during the 2022–23 season. He became the first British player to lead the NBA in steals (1.9 per game) and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. During his tenure in Toronto, he was famously known for his “cool under pressure” attitude and a legendary game-winning buzzer-beater against the Boston Celtics in the 2020 playoffs.

New York Knicks (2023–Present)

On December 30, 2023, Anunoby was traded to the New York Knicks. His arrival transformed the team’s defense overnight. He set an NBA record for the highest plus-minus (+170) in a player’s first 10 games with a new team.

In July 2024, he re-signed with the Knicks on a five-year, $212.5 million contract. His offensive game continued to grow; on November 25, 2024, he scored a career-high 40 points against the Denver Nuggets. 

2025–2026 Season and Performance

In the 2025–26 season, Anunoby has remained one of the league’s most efficient players. As of February 11, 2026, he is averaging approximately 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. His defensive impact remains his calling card; he is currently 6th in the league in steals and is a leading candidate for his first All-Defensive First Team selection. His ability to anchor the perimeter alongside teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns has made New York a premier contender in the Eastern Conference. He was instrumental in the Knicks capturing the NBA Cup in 2025. 

Personal Life and Legacy

Anunoby is deeply connected to his British roots. In 2023, he became a minority owner of the London Lions basketball team, expressing a desire to inspire the next generation of British hoopers. Despite his celebrity, he is notoriously private, often giving short, humorous interviews that have made him a fan favorite.

 

Career Highlights

• NBA Champion: 2019
• NBA Cup Champion: 2025
• NBA Steals Leader: 2023
• All-Defensive Second Team: 2023
• Draft: 23rd overall (2017)