The 7’0” center for the Utah Jazz, Udoka Azubuike, got his fifth opportunity to shine in Jazz’ jersey this season. He played a total of 8 minutes in his first 4 appearances. Fortunately, the Nigerian got 16 minutes to play against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
Udoka Azubuike scored 5 points on 2-3 shooting, adding 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 1 block. His height and physique are great for him in the paint as he can use the core strength of his body to get to the rim. Dok will need to work on his shot technique and on his athleticism. Apart from that, he has all the qualities needed to become a top center in the NBA.
Dok dunk! 🚨#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/ysiZQlKOaq
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 6, 2022
The Jazz eventually got the win, 115-109. Bojan Bogdanovic won the Balkan battle against Nikola Jokic. The Jazz’ forward dropped 36 points and added 13 rebounds to help his team cruise past the Nuggets. Nikola Jokic was once again the most valuable player for Denver, finishing off with yet another triple-double. However, it seems that having 26 points, 21 rebounds, and 11 assists is not enough for the Nuggets.
In his last year in college playing for Kansas, he was named the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year. Azubuike averaged 74.9% from the field, making himself the most efficient player in the NCAA’s history. He averaged a double-double for the season 13.7 points and 10.5 rebounds. Udoka was also incredible in defense adding 2.6 blocks per game to his big numbers.
"Kansas will always be home to me."
𝘾𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝, 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 ✊
Udoka Azubuike x Senior Day ⬎ pic.twitter.com/rMdw3GxWw7
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) March 3, 2020
The Nigerian was selected by the Jazz in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. The Jazz’ intention of signing him was to have a replacement for Rudy Gobert, if he picks up some injury. Dok definitely has the potential to become a great player one day.
