Zalgiris Signs Nigerian Center Known for Record 120cm Vertical Leap
Zalgiris Kaunas has announced the signing of Nigerian center Kaudirchi Akubondo Ahiogo, 26, standing 2.08 meters tall, following his season with Manresa. Despite modest statistical averages, 4.8 points and 2.4 rebounds in about 13 minutes per game last season, Akubondo is renowned for his extraordinary jumping ability, which has drawn significant attention in Lithuania and beyond.
Akubondo began his professional career in the 2023/2024 season with Germany's Tübingen, averaging 5.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in 21 minutes, then moved to Varese where he posted 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds. His defensive impact is notable, with block averages of 1.4, 2, and 1.6 per game over three seasons. His vertical leap reportedly reaches 120 centimeters, allowing him to touch the top of the basketball backboard at 3.96 meters.
He recorded this feat on video, which went viral with over 1.4 million views on YouTube, making him a social media sensation. Akubondo claims this jump is an unofficial world record and has submitted documentation to Guinness World Records for official recognition. He shared that he first managed to touch the backboard top in 2020 during a free practice session.
Most recently, Akubondo played in the Dallas Mavericks' summer league, averaging 6.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just over 12 minutes per game. Mavericks summer league coach Joe Boylan praised his coordination and jumping ability, calling him the most impressive leaper he has ever seen. Zalgiris hopes to leverage Akubondo's unique athleticism in the EuroLeague, where quality centers are scarce.
Summary: Zalgiris Kaunas has signed Nigerian center Kaudirchi Akubondo Ahiogo, known for his exceptional 120cm vertical leap and viral backboard-touching video, aiming to utilize his rare athleticism in the EuroLeague despite modest scoring stats.
Points: - Zalgiris signed Nigerian center Kaudirchi Akubondo Ahiogo, 26, after his season with Manresa. - Akubondo is famed for a 120cm vertical leap, able to touch the 3.96m backboard top. - He posted modest stats but averages up to 2 blocks per game over three seasons. - His viral video of the jump has over 1.4 million YouTube views. - He has applied for Guinness World Record recognition for his jump. - Played in Dallas Mavericks summer league, impressing coaches with his athleticism.
Topic: sports israel_relevant: false Entities: {"people": ["Kaudirchi Akubondo Ahiogo", "Joe Boylan"], "organizations": ["Zalgiris Kaunas", "Manresa", "Tübingen", "Varese", "Dallas Mavericks"], "places": ["Lithuania", "Germany", "Spain", "United States"]}
