The Maryland Terrapins’ recent scholarship offer to Obinna Ekezie Jr., a five-star center in the class of 2027, has spotlighted the young athlete and his family’s legacy in College Park, Maryland.
The 7’0″ prospect from Prolific Prep in Napa, California, is the son of a former Maryland star. With the news that he could be joining the “Terps,” let’s examine his upbringing and support system behind his basketball journey.
Did Obinna Ekezie Jr.’s Father Play for Maryland?
On Wednesday, June 4, Maryland extended a scholarship offer to Obinna Ekezie Jr., the top center in the 2027 class. The news gained more hype when people realized that he’s the son of Obinna Ekezie Sr., who also played at Maryland from 1995 to 1999.
Ekezie Jr.’s father, Obinna Ekezie Sr., was a 6’10” center for Maryland. In his senior year, he averaged 12.7 points and 5.9 rebounds before the Vancouver Grizzlies selected him 37th overall in the 1999 NBA Draft.
Ekezie Sr., born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, moved to the U.S. at 18 to attend Worcester Academy before starting at Maryland from 1995-1999. Known for his clutch free-throw shooting in the 1998 NCAA Tournament, he helped the Terps secure a second-round win over Illinois.
His senior season earned him All-ACC honorable mention honors. He scored 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 51 assists, and 37 blocks.
After a six-year NBA career across five teams, including the Vancouver Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, and Orlando Magic, he played overseas with Red Star Belgrade and Virtus Roma. Ekezie also founded OBN Academy in Nigeria, where his son began developing his skills.
While Ekezie Sr. is more of a public figure, due to his NBA career and business ventures, information regarding Ekezie Jr.’s mother is harder to find.
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Ekezie Jr., a 7’0″ center, has emerged as a top talent at Prolific Prep, starting for a team that won the 2025 Grind Session World Championships. Averaging 6.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks on the Adidas 3SSB 16u Circuit, he’s drawn comparisons to Nikola Jokić for his passing and mid-range shooting.
Maryland’s offer joined 13 others from programs including Kentucky, Kansas, UCLA, Alabama, Houston, and Ohio State who wanted to bag the young athlete. His father’s lessons, focusing on high motor skills and consistency, have shaped his game.
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