Career: Carson High School (USA-High School, 1999-2003), University of Maryland (USA-NCAA, 2003-06).

Ibekwe was one of three college players - Oguchi and Badmus were the others - selected for the Nigeria National Team at the 2005 FIBA Africa Championship. In Algiers last summer, Ibekwe played as a backup for Ime Udoka and brought youth and enthusiasm to the offence, averaging 7.6 points in 18 minutes on the court. Ibekwe thought about entering the 2006 NBA Draft, but he decided to return to Maryland for his senior year. With the Terrapins during his junior year, he averaged 11.1 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 50.6% from the field. His younger brother, Onye Ibekwe, is playing college basketball at Long Beach State. Ekene is still thin, but he is a long, lean and dynamic post player with unlimited athletic potential and a nice little touch from 4-5 meters.