Born and raised in Hong Kong and of Nigerian-British descent, the 23-year-old David Muoka made history as the first player from the city to join the NBA, signing with the Portland Trail Blazers.
He is expected to be waived immediately under his Exhibit 10 contract, directing him to a position with the Blazers’ G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix, for the upcoming season. The G League serves as a vital platform for NBA teams to evaluate and develop young talent and international players.
His agent, Josh Goodwin, celebrated this historic moment on an Instagram post, “Muoka has made history becoming the first born and raised Hong Kong player to ever sign an NBA contract. This is the only beginning of a successful career.” Muoka later commented, “For the city (Hong Kong).”
Muoka was selected third overall pick by the Capital City Go-Go in the 2023 NBA G League Draft. Standing at six feet ten inches, he plays as a center. He graduated from West Island School in Hong Kong in 2018 and later attended Lamar University. Previously, he played for the Long Island Nets in the G League — averaging 4.5 points, five rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game over 38 appearances.
Hong Kong men’s basketball coach Chiu Wing-leung expressed his enthusiasm about Muoka’s impact on the city’s basketball scene, highlighting the player’s achievement as Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and his ability to contribute on both offense and defense. Chiu was also instrumental in helping Muoka apply for a local passport, which would enable the latter to represent Hong Kong in the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in November 2024.
The player’s journey reflects the growing aspirations of basketball in Hong Kong and has the potential to inspire future generations of players. As he steps into the NBA spotlight, this moment marks not only a personal milestone for Muoka but also a shift in the perception of local talent, encouraging young athletes to pursue their dreams with greater confidence.
Banner image via David Muoka’s Instagram page.
