Detroit Pistons center Ugonna Onyenso was surprised to hear his name called out 53rd at the 2026 NBA Draft, having once believed his dream of making the league was over, but is now confident he can grow into the sizable shoes left by Isaiah Stewart.
Stewart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a deal which saw the Pistons acquire three future second round Draft picks. Onyenso, who bounced back at Virginia Cavaliers following spells at Kentucky and Kansas State, is a potential long-term successor -- though the 22-year-old from Owerri, Nigeria, knows there is a long journey ahead.
When asked what he wants the Pistons fans to remember him by, Onyenso told ESPN: "I feel like my defense -- what I bring on the floor defensively -- because they lost a shot-blocker and I want them to know that I'm going to bring that shot-blocking ability back on defense for them too."