Tennessee State guard Aaron Nkrumah has transformed from an overlooked prospect to a potential NBA draft pick following his impressive performance at the G League draft combine. After receiving a late invitation, he showcased his skills, scoring 22 points and earning a spot in the NBA draft combine. Nkrumah’s emergence carries significance as it has been nearly 15 years since an HBCU player was drafted in the NBA. His journey involved overcoming numerous obstacles, including a late start in organized basketball and transferring between colleges, ultimately leading to impactful seasons at both Worcester State and Tennessee State.

By the Numbers
  • Nkrumah averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game during his senior season at Tennessee State.
  • He scored 21 points in the NCAA tournament against No. 2 seed Iowa State.
State of Play
  • Nkrumah has completed workouts with over half of the NBA teams, heightening his draft prospects.
  • Tennessee State is tied with Jackson State for the most draft picks among HBCUs, but none have been selected since the mid-1990s.
What's Next

Nkrumah is poised to hear his name during the upcoming NBA draft, potentially ending the 15-year drought for HBCU players. If selected, he may enter the league with a two-way contract.

Bottom Line

For Nkrumah, succeeding in the NBA draft would not only fulfill a personal dream but also signify a pivotal moment for HBCU representation in professional basketball, potentially inspiring future generations of athletes from similar backgrounds.