Blue Devil Country

Former Duke Basketball Champ Turns on Spin Cycle in Spain

Duke basketball product Jahlil Okafor is not in the NBA, but he has yet to lose his moves.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball center Jahlil Okafor (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
In this story:

Jahlil Okafor has suited up twice for Casademont Zaragoza in Spain. And it's safe to say the 2014-15 Duke basketball one-and-done and No. 3 overall pick in that year's NBA Draft is off to a good start, especially considering his limited action in official games the past few years.

RELATED: List of Every Blue Devil Currently in the NBA

In his debut with his new team in its season opener on Sunday, Okafor tallied 13 points and four rebounds in only 15 minutes as a starter, albeit in a 101-70 loss at Real Madrid.

Then, in Zaragoza's first home appearance on Wednesday night, the 27-year-old Chicago native and former No. 1 overall prep saw a bump in playing time and took advantage. He helped the squad secure a 100-92 victory over Unicaja, recording 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting plus five boards and two assists in 25 minutes on the floor.

Furthermore, he did so while knocking down one of his two 3-point attempts — perhaps a necessary new piece to his arsenal if he's to get another shot in the NBA someday — and showing flashes of the slick post skills that anchored the Blue Devils on their way to the program's fifth and latest national championship.

Check out Jahlil Okafor's highlights from Zaragoza's win, including an array of his signature dizzying spin moves:

Last season, he played 15 games for Mexico City Capitanes in the G League, averaging 20.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per outing.

Okafor, the ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Player of the Year as only a Duke basketball rookie, hasn't been in the NBA since his 27 games in a reserve role for the Detroit Pistons in 2020-21.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/Basketball