The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), through its Technical Committee, has approved the immediate appointment of David Fizdale as the new Head Coach of Nigeria’s Men’s Senior National Basketball Team, D’Tigers.

Fizdale brings a wealth of NBA experience to the role, having previously served as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks. The 51-year-old most recently worked as assistant coach at the Phoenix Suns.

Fizdale, who has been serving as an analyst for NBA TV, expressed his excitement about the role, citing a personal motivation tied to the 2028 Olympics. “It will be fun and exciting calling timeouts and drawing plays up again as a head coach,” he told ESPN Andscape.

“The biggest fact is the nostalgia and what is driving me to get to L.A. What is driving me the most is helping Nigeria not only qualify and medal, but to do that in front of my family. That would be the most special thing.”

Fizdale also revealed that former D’Tigers coach Mike Brown played a key role in encouraging him to accept the position.

NBBF President Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida welcomed the appointment, saying: “David Fizdale represents the level of leadership, professionalism, and basketball knowledge that aligns with our vision for the future of Nigerian basketball.

His experience, relationships, and understanding of the modern global game will be invaluable as we continue building a programme capable of competing with the very best in the world.”

Nigeria will play in the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in early July, with a star-studded pool of NBA talent including Desmond Bane, OG Anunoby, and Onyeka Okongwu among the candidates potentially set to represent the team.