Young Africans playing NCAA Div. 1 Basketball

Over the past few years, there's been a rise in the number of young Africans polishing their Basketball skills at NCAA division 1 schools and this year is no exception.
Here's a sprinkling of some lads at various Div. 1 schools in the USA and we'll be filling you on others as the season heats up over the next few months.

Arinze Onuaku- (Syracuse Center) The big man is making a name for himself this season and getting more publicity as Syracuse climb the Top 25. Here's a nice article on Arinze.
http://media.www.dailyorange.com/media/storage/paper522/news/2005/04/18/Sports/Mbb-Arinze.Onuaku.The.Next.Big.Thing-927690.shtml

Solomon Alabi-(Florida State) The redshirt freshman is looking to bounce back this season after a leg injury shortened his season last year. Look for the big man to be a defensive force for Florida State in the ACC this year.

Josh Akognon-(Cal.State Fullerton) Akognon is an experienced point guard that played for Nigeria in the 2006 FIBA world championships. The California born guard tested the NBA draft waters after last season and despite holding his own against his draft competition, Akognon decided to return for his senior season. Look for him to raise his draft stock as the season heats up.

Al-Farouq Aminu-(Wake Forest) The versatile forward was one of the top 10 players in America coming out of high school. Look for Aminu to stake his claim on a starting spot for the Demon Deacons.

Gani Lawal-(Georgia Tech) Another versatile forward, Gani is an explosive player that is quite adept at the many facets of the game. The former "Mr.Basketball" in the state of Georgia had a decent freshman season but has come on in leaps and bounds so far in his sophomore year. The odds are on Gani to make the jump to the NBA after his sophomore year as he is a probable lottery pick along with Al-Farouq Aminu.

Alfred Aboya-(UCLA) The senior Forward/Center has been a model of consistency for UCLA in his career as he played in every game for UCLA last season and was one of the team leaders in FG percentage. Look for Aboya to finish off his UCLA career in the same manner.