Oso Ighodaro, a rising star in the NBA, has quickly gained recognition for his skills and work ethic. Currently playing for the Phoenix Suns, Ighodaro’s journey from high school standout to professional basketball player is a testament to his dedication and talent. With a promising career ahead, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he continues to evolve in the league.
Oso Ighodaro’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Osasere Benjamin “Oso” Ighodaro |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 2002 |
| Age | 22 years |
| Education | Marquette University |
| Nationality | American (Nigerian heritage) |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (213 cm) |
| Weight | 235 lbs (107 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million (estimated) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $1.16 million (2024-25 season) |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Liza Karlan (girlfriend) |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Oso Ighodaro’s early basketball career is a story of perseverance, skill development, and remarkable achievements. Born on July 14, 2002, in Mesa, Arizona, he grew up in Chandler and attended Desert Vista High School in Phoenix. It was here that his talent for basketball began to shine.
Under the guidance of head coach Gino Crump, Ighodaro became a standout player, earning recognition not only for his athletic abilities but also for his academic excellence. As a junior, he averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, showcasing his potential as a dominant force on the court. His defensive prowess earned him the title of City Defensive Player of the Year and a spot on the All-State team.
One of the defining moments of Ighodaro’s high school career came during the 2019-2020 season when he led Desert Vista to its first state championship since 2008. In the title game, he delivered an unforgettable performance with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocked shots.
This victory cemented his status as one of Arizona’s top basketball prospects. His combination of size, skill, and leadership made him a highly sought-after recruit. Rated as a four-star prospect by major scouting services, Ighodaro received offers from prestigious programs such as Stanford, Texas, and Vanderbilt. However, he ultimately committed to Marquette University, drawn by the opportunity to develop under its basketball program.
Ighodaro’s transition to college basketball was not without challenges. During his freshman year at Marquette in the 2020-2021 season, he suffered an injury that limited him to just five games and led to a medical redshirt.
Despite this setback, he used the time to refine his skills and prepare for future opportunities. His determination paid off during his redshirt freshman season when he played in all 32 games and averaged 5.5 points per game. While these numbers were modest, they hinted at his potential for growth.
Professional Career
Oso Ighodaro’s professional basketball career began with his selection as the 40th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. However, his journey took an immediate turn on draft night when he was traded to the Phoenix Suns, bringing him back to his home state of Arizona.
On July 4, 2024, Ighodaro officially signed a four-year rookie contract with the Suns worth $7.9 million, including $5.4 million guaranteed. This marked the start of his NBA career, where he quickly began making strides as a promising young talent.
Ighodaro made his NBA debut on October 24, 2024, in a thrilling overtime victory against the Los Angeles Clippers. In just over twelve minutes of play, he contributed two points, six rebounds, and a block, showcasing his potential as a versatile player.
Throughout his rookie season, Ighodaro appeared in 56 games for the Suns, averaging 4.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting an impressive 61.2% from the field. Though his offensive contributions were modest, his defensive presence and rebounding ability made him a valuable asset to the team.
Midway through the season, on January 28, 2025, Ighodaro was assigned to the Valley Suns, Phoenix’s NBA G League affiliate. This move was intended to provide him with additional playing time and development opportunities. During his brief stint in the G League, he delivered an outstanding performance with an 18-point, 18-rebound double-double against the Salt Lake City Stars. His dominant display earned him an immediate recall to the Suns’ roster the following day.
Standing at seven feet tall and weighing 235 pounds, Ighodaro possesses a unique combination of size and mobility that allows him to excel on both ends of the court. His passing and vision are particularly noteworthy for a player of his position, enabling him to facilitate plays from the low post and stretch defenses effectively. While he primarily plays as a center for the Suns, his versatility makes him capable of adapting to various roles within the team’s system.
Girlfriend
Oso Ighodaro has been in a committed relationship with Liza Karlen for over three years. Their bond is rooted in shared experiences and a mutual love for basketball.
Liza, like Oso, is a talented basketball player who played for Marquette University’s women’s team before transferring to Notre Dame for her fifth year of NCAA eligibility. While at Marquette, she was a key contributor to her team, and her move to Notre Dame was motivated by the desire to compete for a national championship.
The couple reportedly met during their time at Marquette University, where their shared passion for basketball helped them connect. Liza has spoken highly of Oso’s character, describing him as a natural leader and someone who uplifts those around him. She admires his work ethic and his ability to inspire others, both on and off the court.
Oso Ighodaro’s Net Worth Details
Oso Ighodaro’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025.
Contract
Oso Ighodaro signed a four-year rookie contract with the Phoenix Suns in July 2024 after being selected as the 40th overall pick in the NBA Draft. The contract is valued at $7.9 million, with $5.4 million guaranteed. His deal includes an average annual salary of approximately $1.97 million, with his base salary for the 2024-25 season set at $1,157,153.
The contract also features a team option for the final year (2027-28), allowing the Suns flexibility in retaining him based on his performance and development. This deal reflects his potential as a promising young talent in the league while providing him financial stability early in his career.
Salary
Oso Ighodaro’s salary for the 2024-25 NBA season is $1,157,153, marking the first year of his four-year rookie contract with the Phoenix Suns. His salary will progressively increase over the duration of the contract, with $1,955,377 in 2025-26 and $2,296,271 in 2026-27.
The final year (2027-28) includes a team option worth $2,486,995. This structured salary reflects his status as a second-round pick while offering financial growth as he develops in the league.
Career Earnings
| Year | Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2024-25 | $1,157,153 |
| 2025-26 | $1,955,377 |
| 2026-27 | $2,296,271 |
| 2027-28 | $2,486,995 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played (GP) | Minutes Per Game (MIN) | Points Per Game (PTS) | Rebounds Per Game (REB) | Assists Per Game (AST) | Steals Per Game (STL) | Blocks Per Game (BLK) | Field Goal Percentage (FG%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Phoenix Suns | 42 | 14.4 | 3.4 | 3.2 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 | .574 |
FAQs
1. What is Oso Ighodaro’s nationality and ethnicity?
Oso Ighodaro was born in Houston, Texas, making him an American citizen. However, his roots trace back to Nigeria, giving him a rich cultural heritage. He grew up in Mesa, Arizona, blending American influences with Nigerian traditions passed down by his family.
2. What is Oso Ighodaro’s educational background?
Oso Ighodaro graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in finance in just three years, achieving a 3.54 GPA. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Marquette’s Graduate School of Management with a 3.713 GPA in May 2024. He was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society.
3. What are Oso Ighodaro’s career highlights in college basketball?
In college at Marquette, Oso Ighodaro achieved notable milestones, including being named to the All-Big East Second Team twice and setting a program record for field goal percentage (66%). He led Marquette to NCAA tournament berths and their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2013 during his senior year.
4. What role does Oso Ighodaro play for the Phoenix Suns?
Oso Ighodaro plays as a center for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. Known for his versatility and passing ability, he debuted on October 24, 2024, contributing two points, six rebounds, and one block in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers.
5. What makes Oso Ighodaro unique as a basketball player?
Oso Ighodaro stands out for his exceptional passing skills as a big man, often acting as an offensive hub. His ability to make quick reads and deliver precise passes sets him apart from other players of his size. He also excels at creating opportunities for teammates through screens and handoffs.
6. Who are Oso Ighodaro’s parents and what influence did they have on him?
Oso’s father, Osaro Ighodaro, is a Nigerian immigrant who came to the U.S. on a basketball scholarship and later earned multiple degrees. His mother, Dawn Ighodaro, is an accomplished educator with expertise in health and physical education. Both emphasized academics and skill development over early sports specialization.
7. What awards has Oso Ighodaro received during his career?
Oso Ighodaro earned the prestigious McCahill Award at Marquette University for his academic and athletic excellence. He was also named the BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year and recognized as an Academic All-American® during his college career.
8. How did Oso Ighodaro develop his basketball skills despite starting late?
Oso did not play organized basketball until high school due to his family’s focus on academics over competitive sports. His father prioritized skill development over early specialization, teaching him fundamentals through tennis, soccer, and basketball on weekends.
9. What are Oso Ighodaro’s strengths on the court?
Oso is known for his positional versatility and ability to play as a point center due to his passing vision and decision-making skills. He also excels in rebounding and setting screens while maintaining high field goal efficiency.
10. What challenges has Oso Ighodaro overcome in his basketball journey?
Oso faced limited playing time during his freshman year at Marquette but worked diligently to improve his ball-handling and passing skills under coach Shaka Smart’s guidance. His disciplined upbringing helped him navigate pressures while balancing academics and athletics effectively.
