Josh Okogie Understands That Gratitude Is Necessary On and Off the Court

Nigerian basketball star Josh Okogie describes his journey in the sport as remarkable. Okogie discovered his capabilities playing for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and was recognized as a top athlete at the institution. Okogie's persistent approach to the game had him drafted at No. 20 in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves and now proudly plays for the Phoenix Suns. Each time he is on the court, he pays homage to his Nigerian roots and wants his journey to encourage others to reach their goals through hard work, determination, perseverance, and endurance.

In 2022, Okogie launched Nonstop Community Day in Snellville, Georgia, where kids and parents could play games, participate in sports, enjoy recreational activities, and try various foods at the event. This year, Okogie had representatives from Google attend the event, while Best Buy representatives gave kids lessons about electricity and drones. They were also informed about Artificial Intelligence and other digital effects so the youth can be ahead of the curve.

Bleu Magazine spoke with the athlete about his love for the game, fashion, embracing Georgia culture, and what's to come in 2024.

Bleu: How did you fall in love with basketball?

Okogie: When I was younger, my older brother wanted to get into sports, so he bought a basketball. And just so he can, you know, practice and try to see if he likes it, but he never got the chance to use the basketball. But when I started, I grew up loving the sport.

Bleu: After years of practice, what was your instant reaction when you were selected in the 2018 NBA Draft?

Okogie: Growing up, I always dreamed of joining the NBA, but if it didn't happen, I would figure it out and still be successful. It was still surreal; so many emotions crept up when I heard the news. Luckily enough, I was consoled by my family and friends. It was an incredible moment to share an experience with them.

Bleu: What were some of the highs in your career so far?

Okogie: I could attend college in Atlanta and play basketball with my family and friends. There are many, but playing in front of them is always great.

Bleu: I know you love fashion. Did you develop your keen sense of fashion from your family or the ATL culture?

Okogie: Georgia did influence my style, especially going to Georgia Tech and wearing sweatshirts everywhere. Regarding fashion, it is something I've been taking on recently. I can put different pieces together; I view it as a puzzle and try to make a complete picture.

Bleu: What was the Milan Fashion Week experience like?

Okogie: Yes, I was a part of the event. It's funny. I was reluctant to do it because I'd never done it before. But it was the space I wanted to enter and see what it was all about for myself. In Milan, I was ready to submerge myself into that environment, and it was cool to see different brands and how they're becoming innovative, and you know what direction they're heading in the next couple of years and be able to meet the creators of the brands. When you start to understand brands and how they got started, you know how they were launched or what to look out for when you go to a Giorgio Armani store, so that was cool regarding the information aspect of fashion.

Bleu: How did you interact with the Italian natives while visiting Milan for Fashion Week?

Okogie: I made a lot of friends when I was out there. Like I said, I was out there a couple of weeks ago, like a week before fashion week. I was able to connect with some people. And I saw the people during fashion week. So, it was cool to hang out with somebody like myself in the culture. I was eating spaghetti every day. I was introduced to Aperol Spritz and checked that daily, too. So it's my new drink now. I got that from Italy. So it was so fun to see that country, particularly that city.

Bleu: How do you keep your Nigerian roots alive as your fame continues multiplying?

Okogie: It's easy because I am a family man and love being around my family. They're always around, and it just makes more of who I am, and they remind me where I come from and who I am as a person. Being around people who are part of my life is always good, so it keeps me grounded and rooted.

Bleu: How did you begin working on Nonstop Community Day?

Okogie: Last year, I tried creating a fun day on my birthday, which is September 1. So, last year, I tried to do something where all my friends and family could unite, and we could have fun, whether in a water balloon fight, playing around with water guns, playing football, having a D.J., or having food and refreshments. We do so much in life; there aren't enough free fun days, and anytime you want to have fun, there's a cost. So, I provided a way to meet my family, and we had some free fun. This year, I decided to open it up to the community. I just wanted to create a day that kids can have fun and never forget, even if it's just once a year, and I would love to bring that back to the community. It's a way of giving back; now, I could have basketball, but some kids do not play basketball. I wanted to do something for the whole community. No matter their interests, they can participate in this special day.

Bleu: What was the feedback you've received from the kids at Nonstop Community Day?

Okogie: I could have invited a lot more kids than I did. There were a lot of people there. But you know, I just did it bigger. So, next year, I aim to have more kids and outreach. But just in terms of the results and the feedback from this year, it was tremendous. Every kid loved it. You know, the families know, the parents. And it's funny because a lot of the parents there were peers I met when I was in high school, or you know, they just had younger kids when they brought their kids we haven't seen in years to the event. It was great. The parents said I need to do this every year, and I feel like I put a smile on a kid and parent's face.

Bleu: What are your upcoming projects for 2024?

Okogie: I plan on playing until June because of the championship. I also plan to do Paris Fashion Week, still on Community Day, travel more, and see what else is out there. At this point in my life, I am curious and want to travel the world to places I've never been before.