Former Israeli Basketball Star Tongo Awagwobi Suffers Severe Stroke

Tongo Awagwobi, a 53-year-old former foreign basketball player in Israel, is in serious medical condition after suffering a stroke in July. Awagwobi, who played for Hapoel Jerusalem during their 2004 ULEB Cup championship season and also played for Ironi Ramat Gan, Gilboa/Afula, and Givataim, had been hospitalized for about a month, connected to life support machines. His recovery prognosis is described as very concerning, with fears he may never walk or communicate again.

Awagwobi had been battling serious health issues in recent years. In January, after nearly seven years of dialysis and five years on a kidney transplant waiting list, he received a new kidney in Atlanta, where he resides. He had previously undergone bypass surgery in 2021 due to a heart rhythm disorder and had long-term kidney problems attributed to prolonged painkiller use during his athletic career.

Following the transplant, Awagwobi experienced a period of renewed enjoyment in life, resuming basketball with his two sons multiple times a week. However, just six months later, his condition deteriorated significantly following the stroke. His family and friends have launched a fundraising campaign to cover legal proceedings related to securing guardianship and power of attorney for his children, aiming to ensure their future.

In Israel, Awagwobi is remembered as a key center for Hapoel Jerusalem in the 2003/04 season, averaging 13.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He accumulated 1,912 points in the Israeli Basketball Premier League over five seasons, becoming one of the prominent foreign players of the 2000s.