Mitchell Young
July 23, 2020
Ekene Ibekwe
- Nationality: USA/NGR
- Date of Birth: 18/02/81
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California (USA)
- Position: F/C
- Height (CM): 206
- Weight (KG): 100
- Junior Assoc:
- College: Maryland (2003–2007)
- NBL DEBUT: 2/10/04
- AGE AT DEBUT: 23
- LAST NBL GAME: 23/01/15
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 33
- NBL History: New Zealand 2015
- Championships: 1
- New Zealand (2015)
BIO: Ekenechukwu Brian “Ekene” Ibekwe Ekene Ibekwe was born in Los Angeles, California (USA) and attended Carson High School in Carson, California. As a senior in 2002/03, he was a second-team Parade All-American after averaging 190.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.4 blocks per game in leading his squad to a 23-4 record and a semi-final finish in the Los Angeles city championship. He also earned all-state honours and a first team “All-Dream Team” nod by the Long Beach Press-Telegram as a senior, while he was named to the All-L.A. city first team, the All-South Bay first team and his team’s MVP as a junior and senior.
NBL EXPERIENCE
Ekene Ibekwe made his NBL debut with the New Zealand Breakers at 23 years of age. He scored 10 points in his first game.
After missing the NBL playoffs in 2013/14 with an 11-17 record, following three consecutive championships between 2011 and 2013, New Zealand entered the 2014/15 season looking to return to the top of the competition. Dean Vickerman returned for his second season as head coach, with imports Kerron Johnson and Gary Wilkinson departing alongside CJ Bruton (retired) and Daryl Corletto (to Melbourne). The Breakers retained captain Mika Vukona, Thomas Abercrombie, Corey Webster and Alex Pledger, while adding Ekene Ibekwe (via Puerto Rico), two-time championship winner Cedric Jackson (via Slovenia), Rhys Carter (via Adelaide) and Tai Wesley, who qualified as a local player under the NBL’s Asian player rule due to being born in Guam.
Ibekwe signed with New Zealand on August 18, 2014, filling the team’s second import position and providing the Breakers with additional athleticism, rebounding and shot-blocking. The Nigerian international had previously represented his country at the 2006 FIBA World Championship and 2012 London Olympics, but had not played for approximately 12 months after suffering an injury while playing in Europe. Vickerman believed his mobility and defensive presence would help strengthen a frontcourt which had struggled during the previous season.
New Zealand opened the season against defending champions Perth at Perth Arena on October 10, where Ibekwe (10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) made five of his six field-goal attempts in his NBL debut. Jackson (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Carter (14 points and 7 assists) led the Breakers, while Shawn Redhage (20 points) and DeAndre Daniels (19 points and 6 rebounds) led Perth. New Zealand built a 23-point halftime advantage before holding off a second-half comeback to win 80-70 in front of 12,903 fans.
The Breakers followed their opening victory with a win over Adelaide before suffering consecutive losses to Melbourne and Cairns. Ibekwe (11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks across 32 games) quickly established himself as an athletic finisher, strong offensive rebounder and one of the league’s leading shot-blockers. He initially struggled with foul trouble, fouling out of four of New Zealand’s opening eight games, but became increasingly effective as the season progressed. After starting the first three games, he spent much of the regular season coming off the bench before returning to the starting lineup during the final weeks.
His best performance and highest-scoring game came against Cairns at the Cairns Convention Centre on November 7, where Ibekwe (20 points, 14 rebounds, 1 steal, and 7 blocks) made eight of his nine field-goal attempts and dominated the interior. Webster (16 points) and Vukona (12 points and 5 rebounds) provided support, while Alex Loughton (21 points) and Scottie Wilbekin (17 points) led Cairns. New Zealand established a 15-point halftime advantage before holding off a Taipans comeback to win 79-71, handing Cairns its first defeat after opening the season 6-0. The victory was particularly significant after the Breakers had won only three games in Australia throughout the entire previous season, with Ibekwe’s seven blocked shots setting a new franchise single-game record.
Another important performance came against Perth at Vector Arena on December 11, where Ibekwe (18 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) made all eight of his field-goal attempts as New Zealand recovered from a 12-point halftime deficit. Jackson (15 points) and Webster (14 points) led the backcourt, while Pledger (13 points) provided an important contribution despite battling a persistent toe injury which would eventually require surgery. Redhage (19 points) and Daniels (16 points and 9 rebounds) led Perth, but the Breakers outscored the Wildcats 22-8 during the third quarter and won 77-66 to move into first place. Vickerman praised the performance of his two centres, particularly Pledger’s willingness to play additional minutes despite his injury. “Combined, they were outstanding,” Vickerman said.
New Zealand continued battling Perth and Cairns for top position throughout the season, putting together multiple five-game winning streaks before losing three of four games during February. One of the Breakers’ most memorable victories came against Perth at Perth Arena on February 15, where Ibekwe (11 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks) provided a strong defensive presence before fouling out during the first overtime period. Webster (27 points) delivered a career-high scoring performance, while Daniels (24 points and 10 rebounds) and Jermaine Beal (24 points) led Perth. After both teams finished regulation tied at 68-68 and the first overtime tied at 80-80, Beal made two free throws to give Perth an 87-86 lead in the final seconds of double overtime. Jackson then launched a desperation shot from beyond halfway as time expired, somehow making the three-pointer to give New Zealand an extraordinary 89-87 victory in front of more than 12,000 fans.
The Breakers completed the regular season against Cairns at Vector Arena on February 22, where Ibekwe (17 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) produced another double-double. Webster (16 points) and Jackson (12 points) provided support, but Wilbekin (25 points) and Loughton (22 points), playing his 200th NBL game, led Cairns to an 81-77 victory. The result secured the Taipans their first minor premiership with a 21-7 record, making them the first regional team to finish on top of the NBL ladder since the Geelong Cats in 1984. New Zealand finished second with a 19-9 record, completing a major turnaround from its seventh-place finish the previous season.
Webster (15.3 points across 32 games) emerged as New Zealand’s leading scorer after moving into the starting lineup, producing the highest-scoring season of his career to that point and developing into one of the competition’s premier offensive guards. Jackson (14.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2.2 steals across 32 games) led the NBL in assists and earned All-NBL First Team honours, while Abercrombie (11.2 points and 4.3 rebounds across 29 games) remained a key perimeter contributor despite having his preparation interrupted by hernia surgery. Vukona (8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds across 32 games) provided leadership, rebounding and physical defence, with Wesley (8 points and 4.8 rebounds across 32 games), Carter (6.6 points across 32 games) and Pledger (5.5 points and 3.7 rebounds across 30 games) providing the other main contributions. Ibekwe finished the season shooting a league-leading 59.6 percent from the field, while his 62 blocked shots were the most in the NBL and established a new Breakers single-season record. His performances earned him selection to the All-NBL Second Team.
New Zealand faced third-placed Adelaide in the semifinals, with the 36ers entering the playoffs on a 10-game winning streak. Game one was played at Vector Arena on February 26, where Ibekwe (10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocks) helped the Breakers establish an early advantage. Webster (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the scoring, while Jackson (13 points and 10 assists) and Vukona (12 points and 10 rebounds) both recorded double-doubles. Jamar Wilson (21 points) and Daniel Johnson (14 points and 8 rebounds) led Adelaide, but New Zealand dominated the third quarter and won 111-82, ending the 36ers’ winning streak and taking a 1-0 series lead.
Game two moved to the Adelaide Arena on February 28, where Ibekwe (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks) made seven of his eight field-goal attempts as the Breakers controlled the contest. Jackson (18 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals) produced another outstanding all-around performance, while Webster (15 points, 4 assists, and 5 steals) provided support. Wilson (23 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) and Johnson (16 points and 7 rebounds) led Adelaide, but New Zealand maintained its advantage throughout the second half and won 94-83, completing the semifinal sweep and advancing to its fourth Grand Final in five seasons.
The Breakers faced minor premiers Cairns in the Grand Final, with the Taipans having swept defending champions Perth in their semifinal series. Game one was played at the Cairns Convention Centre on March 6, where Ibekwe (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks) made eight of his ten field-goal attempts and dominated inside. Jackson (22 points and 7 rebounds) led New Zealand’s scoring, while Abercrombie (13 points) and Carter (12 points) provided important support. Wilbekin (16 points) and Cameron Gliddon (13 points and 9 rebounds) led Cairns, which recovered from a 16-point halftime deficit to cut the margin to one point at the final break. The Breakers responded in the fourth quarter, with Carter making two crucial three-pointers as New Zealand pulled away to win 86-71 and move within one victory of the championship.
Game two returned to Auckland’s North Shore Events Centre on March 8, where Ibekwe (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks) produced the most memorable moment of his NBL career. Abercrombie (19 points and 3 steals) led the Breakers in scoring, while Jackson (15 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) controlled the backcourt. Cameron Tragardh (17 points and 5 rebounds), Gliddon (16 points and 4 rebounds) and Torrey Craig (16 points and 5 rebounds) led Cairns, which overcame a five-point halftime deficit and moved six points ahead during the final three minutes. Vukona tied the scores at 78-78 with a put-back before both teams exchanged free throws in the closing seconds. With New Zealand leading 81-79, Wilbekin made two free throws with 1.2 seconds remaining to level the scores and seemingly force overtime. Coming out of a timeout, Jackson inbounded the ball to Ibekwe, who caught the pass near the free-throw line, turned and made a fadeaway jumper as the buzzer sounded. “It was originally for me to go towards the basket but I just felt comfortable stopping and popping – I make that shot nine times out of 10, so I shot it and it went in,” Ibekwe said. “It was the opportunity to win it for my team, a championship shot – there’s no bigger shot than that.” New Zealand defeated Cairns 83-81 to complete a 2-0 Grand Final sweep and claim its fourth NBL championship in five seasons. Jackson was awarded the Larry Sengstock Medal as Grand Final MVP for the second time, becoming the first player in NBL history to win three championships during his first three seasons.
Following the championship, Ibekwe departed New Zealand and signed with Melbourne United ahead of the 2015/16 season. However, on September 18, 2015, United released him on compassionate grounds after he struggled with being separated from his European-based partner, who was expecting their first child. Melbourne and Ibekwe had spent several weeks exploring ways for him to remain in Australia before he requested his release. “I’ve enjoyed my time with Melbourne, and I will miss the guys that I’ve got to know while we’ve been together,” Ibekwe said. “However family does come first, and I couldn’t give my total commitment to the team when I needed to be supporting my partner.” United chief executive Vince Crivelli praised his professionalism and honesty throughout the discussions, with the release ending Ibekwe’s time in the NBL before he appeared in a game for Melbourne.
Ekene Ibekwe played one season in the NBL. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 32 NBL games.
CAREER RANKINGS:
– 30th in blocks per game.
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 34 | New Zealand | 19-9 (2) | 32 | 696 | 377 | 197 | 30 | 64 | 133 | 28 | 57 | 43 | 114 | 152 | 255 | 60% | 2 | 5 | 40% | 71 | 113 | 63% | 61% | 60% | Totals | 32 | 696 | 377 | 197 | 30 | 64 | 133 | 28 | 57 | 43 | 114 | 152 | 255 | 59.6% | 2 | 5 | 40.0% | 71 | 113 | 62.8% | 62% | 60% | 20 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 34 | New Zealand | 19-9 (2) | 32 | 21.8 | 11.8 | 6.2 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 4.2 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 3.6 | 4.8 | 8.0 | 60% | 0.1 | 0.2 | 40% | 2.2 | 3.5 | 63% | 61% | 60% | Total | 32 | 21.8 | 11.8 | 6.2 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 4.2 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 3.6 | 4.8 | 8.0 | 59.6% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 40.0% | 0.1 | 0.2 | 62.8% | 62% | 60% | 20 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 20 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 0 |
|---|
FIBA EXPERIENCE
Ibekwe was a part of the Nigerian national team that competed at the 2006 FIBA World Championships (Japan). There, Nigeria (2–4) made it to the second round before being eliminated by Germany (77-78). They finished the tournament tied for ninth place.
Ibekwe was selected to play for the Nigerian national team again at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Nigeria (1–4) failed to proceed past the first round, finishing tenth overall.
FIBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 31 | 5 | 84 | 21 | 20 | 3 | 6 | 14 | 2 | 12 | 7 | 20 | 8 | 24 | 33.3% | 2 | 10 | 20.0% | 3 | 5 | 60.0% |
| 2012 | 27 | 3 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 50.0% | 0 | 1 | 0.0% | 1 | 2 | 50.0% |
| 2006 | 21 | 6 | 117 | 52 | 40 | 4 | 14 | 26 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 18 | 23 | 46 | 50.0% | 0 | 0 | 0.0% | 6 | 18 | 33.3% | Total | 14 | 214 | 76 | 62 | 8 | 21 | 41 | 6 | 20 | 12 | 42 | 32 | 72 | 44% | 2 | 11 | 18% | 10 | 25 | 40% |
FIBA PER GAME STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 31 | 5 | 16.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 0.4 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 4.0 | 1.6 | 4.8 | 33.3% | 0.4 | 2.0 | 20.0% | 0.6 | 1.0 | 60.0% |
| 2012 | 27 | 3 | 4.3 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 50.0% | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0% | 0.3 | 0.7 | 50.0% |
| 2006 | 21 | 6 | 19.5 | 8.7 | 6.7 | 0.7 | 2.3 | 4.3 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 7.7 | 50.0% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0% | 1.0 | 3.0 | 33.3% | Total | 14 | 15.3 | 5.4 | 4.4 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 2.9 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 3.0 | 2.3 | 5.1 | 44% | 0.1 | 0.8 | 18% | 0.7 | 1.8 | 40% |
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Israel - Hapoel Galil Elyon (2007–2008), Hapoel Gilboa/Afula (2007–2008) | France - Besançon BCD (2007–2008), Élan Chalon (2016–2017), Champagne Châlons-Reims (2017–2018, 2020–2021), Élan Béarnais (2019–2020), Chorale Roanne (2020–2021) | Turkey - Selçuk Üniversitesi (2008–2009), Uşak Sportif (2016–2017) | Puerto Rico - Gigantes de Carolina (2009) | Czech Republic - ČEZ Nymburk (2016–2017) | Germany - Skyliners Frankfurt (2016–2017), Oettinger Rockets (2017–2018)
Ibekwe joined Hapoel Galil Elyon for the 2007–08 Israeli Premier League season, beginning his professional career in Israel after signing in August 2007 before being released in October 2007.
He remained in Israel during the 2007–08 season with Hapoel Gilboa/Afula, and after parting ways in February 2008 he finished the season in France with Besançon BCD.
Ibekwe joined Selçuk Üniversitesi for the 2008–09 Turkish Basketball League season, and in May 2009 he moved to Puerto Rico to play for Gigantes de Carolina for the remainder of the 2009 BSN season.
After later returning to Europe, Ibekwe signed with ČEZ Nymburk for the 2016–17 season in the Czech Republic on July 20, 2016, then left on October 20, 2016 to join Skyliners Frankfurt in Germany on a two-month contract before departing when the deal expired.
He returned to Turkey later in the 2016–17 season after signing with Uşak Sportif on December 30, 2016, and he finished the same season in France after joining Élan Chalon on May 1, 2017 for the rest of the LNB Pro A campaign.
Ibekwe opened the 2017–18 season in Germany after signing a three-month deal with the Oettinger Rockets on September 4, 2017, then moved back to France on December 30, 2017 to play the remainder of the season with Champagne Châlons-Reims in Pro A.
On November 29, 2019, Ibekwe signed with Élan Béarnais in France’s LNB Pro A and averaged 8.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, and he later returned to Champagne Châlons-Reims after signing on August 7, 2020 before joining Chorale Roanne on February 11, 2021 in the same league.
COLLEGE
Ibekwe played college basketball at Maryland from the 2003–04 season through the 2006–07 season, developing into a multi-year starter and one of the program’s most productive shot-blockers across the four-year span.
As a freshman in 2003–04, Ibekwe appeared in all 32 games and made seven starts, averaging 13.6 minutes, 4.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 50.4% from the field and 51.6% at the free throw line.
In 2003–04, he played in both of Maryland’s NCAA Tournament games, posting 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks against UTEP on March 18, then adding 6 points and 9 rebounds against Syracuse on March 20, while the season overall finished with him leading the team in blocks with 44 and recording 22 games with at least one block.
As a sophomore in 2004–05, Ibekwe played 30 games and started 18, lifting his role to 21.5 minutes per game and averaging 8.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, with season shooting splits that included 40.9% from the field and 55.2% at the line, while totaling 55 blocks across the year.
During the 2004–05 season he recorded his first career double-double at Wisconsin on November 30, scoring 21 points on 10-for-13 shooting with 12 rebounds, and he was heavily involved in Maryland’s postseason NIT run with a stretch that included 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks against Davidson on March 23 and 10 points with 8 rebounds and 3 blocks against TCU on March 26.
As a junior in 2005–06, Ibekwe appeared in 32 games and made 30 starts, averaging 23.5 minutes, 11.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field and 62.3% at the foul line, and he produced five double-doubles while recording at least one block in 27 of 32 games.
In his senior season (2006–07), Ibekwe played 33 games and averaged 25.2 minutes, 10.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, earning ACC All-Defensive Team recognition and All-ACC honorable mention while shooting 49.4% from the field and 63.6% at the stripe, and he delivered a career-high 22 points with 14 rebounds against St. John’s on November 16 before adding a 13-rebound, 6-block game versus American on December 23.
Maryland returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2006–07, where Ibekwe posted 11 points and 10 rebounds against Davidson on March 15, then added 8 points and 9 rebounds against Butler on March 18, and he finished his Maryland career with 1,107 points, 781 rebounds, and 230 blocks across 127 games, reaching the 1,000-point and 500-rebound marks while becoming one of the school’s top shot-blockers by total rejections.
AWARDS
- 1x All-NBL Second Team
Related
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