Zalgiris Kaunas has strengthened its frontcourt ahead of the 2026-27 season by signing center Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu to a 1+1 contract, the Lithuanian champions announced on Sunday. The 26-year-old arrives after spending last season with BAXI Manresa, while a previously agreed deal with Cedevita Olimpija included a EuroLeague exit clause that allowed him to move to Kaunas.

Sporting director Gediminas Navickas said the decision was driven by both the Nigerian center’s unique skill set and the difficulty of finding quality big men during the season.

“There were several reasons behind the signing. One of them is that he brings completely different qualities than our other big men. We also learned from last season that if you decide to strengthen the roster during the season, the market is very difficult. Good players are not released, and we are not interested in poor ones. We decided to make this investment before the season,” Navickas explained.

Akobundu-Ehiogu also shared his excitement after joining the club.

“I’m very happy to become part of the green-and-white family. I can’t wait to experience the incredible atmosphere. I’m ready to give everything I have.”

The 208-centimeter center is expected to add elite rim protection to a Zalgiris roster that has undergone a significant overhaul this summer. The club has already added Jonas Valanciunas, Carsen Edwards, Sterling Brown, Marius Grigonis, Saben Lee, Marek Blazevic and Maxwell Lewis, while parting ways with key contributors including Sylvain Francisco, Moses Wright, Laurynas Birutis and Ignas Brazdeikis.

Akobundu-Ehiogu’s journey to the EuroLeague has been unconventional. Born in Nigeria, he moved to the United States as a teenager, began his college career at the NAIA level, and eventually transferred to the University of Memphis, where he helped the Tigers win the 2023 AAC Tournament.

He turned professional in Germany with Tigers Tubingen before moving to Italy’s Openjobmetis Varese in 2024-25. There he averaged 7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and a league-best 2.0 blocks per game while shooting an outstanding 79.8% from the field. Early in that season, he showcased his defensive instincts by recording an eight-block performance.

Last season represented another step forward as he joined Manresa in Spain. In the EuroCup, he averaged 4.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in just 13.7 minutes per game while converting 76.7% of his field-goal attempts. His 1.7 blocks per game led the entire competition, highlighting the rim protection that has become his calling card.

He carried that defensive impact into Spain’s Liga ACB, averaging 4.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks across 34 games while leading the league’s top shot blockers. He also finished the season shooting 80.8% from the field, demonstrating his efficiency as a finisher around the basket.

Akobundu-Ehiogu further raised his profile during the 2026 NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks. Across five appearances, he averaged 6.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 12 minutes per game, flashing his athleticism with several highlight dunks.

Zalgiris finished 23-15 in last season’s EuroLeague regular season, good for fifth place, before losing to Fenerbahce in the playoff quarterfinals.