Ime Sunday Udoka is a Nigerian-American professional basketball coach and former player who currently serves as the head coach of the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association.
Udoka was born in the United States and has also represented the Nigerian national team during his career. Despite being born in the United States, Udoka chose to represent Nigeria because of his Nigerian ancestry and his desire to help develop the sport in his father’s home country.
His experience playing for the Nigerian national team also gave him a unique perspective and understanding of the global basketball community.
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- Full name: Ime Sunday Udoka
- Stage name: Ime Udoka
- Date of Birth: August 9, 1977
- Age: 46
- Birthplace: Portland, Oregon, USA
- Nationality: Nigerian-American
- Occupation: Nigerian-American professional basketball coach and former player
- Height: 1.98 m
- Parents: Vitalis Udoka and Agnes Udoka
- Siblings: 1, Mfon Udoka
- Spouse: Nia Long (2015-2022)
- Children: 1, Kez Sunday Udoka
- Relationship: Divorced
- Net worth: $8 million
Early life and education
Ime Sandi Udoka was born on August 9, 1977 in Portland, Oregon, United States, and was raised by his parents, Vitalis Udoka (a Nigerian immigrant) and Agnes Udoka (an Illinois American). He grew up with his sister, Mfong Udoka.
Aim attended Jefferson High School and then Eastern Utah College to begin his college career before transferring to the University of San Francisco. He finished his college career at Portland State University before starting his professional basketball career.
Profession
Ime Sandi Udoka has had success as both a player and a coach. His professional career spanned 12 years, including seven NBA seasons (2003-2011) with the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings, among others.
He also played for the Nigerian national team, leading the team in scoring, assists and steals at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, and was a part of the team that won bronze medals at the 2005 and 2011 FIBA Africa Championships.
After retiring, he began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, where he had the opportunity to work under legendary coaches such as Gregg Popovich. While with the Spurs, he helped the team win the NBA Championship in 2014.
He then went on to serve as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets before becoming the head coach of the Boston Celtics in 2021. In his first season as head coach, he led the Celtics to a successful season with a record of 51-31 and a trip to the 2022 NBA Finals.
Currently, Udoka is the head coach of the Houston Rockets, a position he has held since April 2023. Known for his defensive strategies and ability to communicate with his players, Udoka has quickly become a rising star in the coaching world.
Awards and nominations
- As a player:
- FIBA Africa Championship: Bronze medal with Nigeria (2005, 2011)
- All-G League: First Team (2005-06), Second Team (2003-04)
- Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award (2006)
- As a coach:
- NBA Champion (2014): Assistant Coach, San Antonio Spurs
- NBA Eastern Conference Champions (2022): Boston Celtics Head Coach
- NBA Eastern Conference Coach of the Month (x2): February 2022, March/April 2022 (coaching the Boston Celtics)
Additional Notes: Although Udoka had a successful season as the Celtics head coach in 2022, he finished fourth in the voting for the Coach of the Year Award.
Social Media
Ime Sunday Udoka’s social media handles are unknown.
Personal life
Ime Sandi Udoka was previously engaged to actress Nia Long for several years, starting in 2015. However, the couple split in December 2022 after their affair with a Celtics staff member reportedly violated team guidelines.
Despite their separation, the two are committed to co-parenting their son, Kez Sunday Udoka, who was born in November 2011.
net worth
Ime Sunday Udoka is a successful Nigerian-American professional basketball coach and former player.
He rose to fame in the basketball world and has amassed a net worth of around $8 million during his career.
Udoka’s hard work, dedication and talent have brought him financial success while also making a significant impact on the sport.
