{
  "id": 7222948,
  "title": "How former WSU standout Efe Abogidi has navigated setbacks, obstacles during pro career: 'It's been a journey, man'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/how-former-wsu-standout-efe-abogidi-has-navigated-setbacks-obstacles",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-14T02:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-wsu-standout-efe-abogidi-020100025.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Washington State standout Efe Abogidi has faced numerous setbacks throughout his professional basketball career. After tearing his ACL in 2023, the injury forced him to take an 18-month recovery period. During this time, Abogidi struggled to stay awake late at night, waiting for his agent to call with a contract offer. Once he was cleared to play again, Abogidi signed with the Central Districts Lions of the NBL1, averaging 17 points and 10.5 rebounds. He was later drafted by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the G League, where he averaged 13 points, 6.4 rebounds, and one block in 44 games. Abogidi's shooting range has expanded, as he made 65 3-pointers over 44 games, improving his outside shot. In 2024, Abogidi received a Summer League invitation from the Denver Nuggets and averaged 7 points and 2 rebounds while shooting 60% from the field and 43% from the 3-point line. Despite the challenges he has faced, Abogidi remains confident in his abilities and looks forward to the next chapter in his career, including the possibility of an NBA roster spot.",
  "summary": "Sep. 13—LAS VEGAS — Efe Abogidi wasn't quite pulling all-nighters, but two years ago during a transitional phase in his career it wasn't uncommon for the former Washington State forward to stay awake until 2 or 3 a.m. in Adelaide, Australia. The risk of falling asleep was potentially missing an important phone call or message from his agent who could be relaying a contract offer from the NBA ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Efe Abogidi suffered ACL tear in 2023, leading to 18-month recovery",
    "Played for Central Districts Lions in NBL1, averaged 17 points, 10.5 rebounds",
    "Signed with Rio Grande Valley Vipers in G League, averaged 13 points, 6.4 rebounds"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Efe Abogidi's perseverance through injuries and setbacks has led to a resurgence in his professional career, with improved shooting and recent opportunities with top teams enhancing his prospects for an NBA roster spot.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}