// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did Tobe Awaka say to his shoe? "You awaka lot of trouble.
 Awaka with Tennessee in 2024 | |
| No. 19 – Chicago Bulls | |
|---|---|
| Position | Power forward |
| League | NBA |
| Personal information | |
| Born | January 30, 2004 Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Listed weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Cardinal Hayes (Bronx, New York) |
| College | |
| NBA draft | 2026: undrafted |
| Playing career | 2026–present |
| Career history | |
| 2026–present | Chicago Bulls |
| 2026–present | →Windy City Bulls |
| Career highlights | |
| |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
Tobe Awaka (born January 30, 2004) is an American basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers and Arizona Wildcats.
Early life and high school
[edit]During his senior year, Awaka averaged 19.2 points and 13.9 rebounds per game, where he was named the New York Gatorade Player of the Year.[1] Coming out of high school, he was unranked where he committed to play college basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers over other schools such as Maryland, Pittsburgh, and St. John’s.[1]
College career
[edit]Tennessee
[edit]As a freshman in 2022-23, Awaka averaged 3.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.[2] In the second round of the 2024 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, he notched ten points and five rebounds versus Texas.[3] During the 2023-24 season, Awaka averaged 5.1 points and 4.6 rebounds coming off the bench.[4] After the season, he entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.[2]
Arizona
[edit]Awaka transferred to play for the Arizona Wildcats.[5] On November 9, 2024, he totaled 18 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in a victory over Old Dominion.[6] On January 18, 2025, Awaka posted eight points and 14 rebounds in 26 minutes against Texas Tech.[7] On February 4, he notched 14 points and nine rebounds in a victory versus BYU.[8] On February 8, Awaka recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds in a win against Texas Tech.[9] On February 17, he recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds in 32 minutes of a win over Baylor.[10]
Professional career
[edit]After going undrafted in the 2026 NBA draft, Awaka signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls on July 3, 2026.[11]
Personal life
[edit]Awaka is the son of Sunny and Henrietta Awaka.[12] He is a Christian.[13]
References
[edit]- 1 2 Sparks, Adam. "Tennessee basketball lands commitment from 6-8 forward Tobe Awaka". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- 1 2 Wilson, Mike. "Tobe Awaka enters transfer portal after two Tennessee basketball seasons". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ↑ Wilson, Mike. "Tobe Awaka not returning to Tennessee basketball after committing to Arizona". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "Tennessee transfer forward Tobe Awaka takes visit to Arizona Wildcats". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "New Wildcat Tobe Awaka found out how to beat the heat, while bonding with new teammates". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "Arizona Wildcats' Tobe Awaka navigating the art of playing physical without fouling". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "Arizona Wildcats' center Tobe Awaka welcomes challenges on and off court". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "Hard-nosed Arizona center Tobe Awaka gains recognition before all-Wildcat showdown in Kansas". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ↑ Pascoe, Bruce. "Arizona's Tobe Awaka named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ↑ Sherman, Ben. "Tennessee transfer making big impact for Arizona". Arizona Wildcats on SI. SI.com. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Bulls Complete Two-Way Deal With Tobe Awaka". hoopsrumors.com. July 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Tobe Awaka". Retrieved January 17, 2026.
- ↑ Claybourn, Cole. "Tobe Awaka helping lead No. 1 Arizona while also helping lead others closer to Christ". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved January 17, 2026.