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ago 02 2026Zalgiris Kaunas adds a very specific profile for its interior game: physicality, athleticism, and rim protection. The Lithuanian champions have announced the signing of Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, a 26-year-old Nigerian center standing 2.08 meters tall, who arrives after a season of significant defensive impact at BAXI Manresa.
The agreement is for the 2026/27 season, with an option for a second year. For Akobundu-Ehiogu, it will be his first experience in the EuroLeague, after leaving a clear mark in the EuroCup and the Liga Endesa.
His numbers are not those of an offensive star, but they perfectly explain his value. In the EuroCup he averaged 4.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in just 13 minutes per game. He was the competition's leading shot-blocker and also led the tournament in two-point shooting accuracy, with 79.1%.
In the ACB he maintained the same trend: 4.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 34 games, with 81.6% from two-point range. He was the third-best shot-blocker in the Liga Endesa. In other words, low volume, but high impact per minute.
Zalgiris is not signing an interior player to play with his back to the basket or to shoulder offensive responsibilities. The club is signing a specialist. A vertical player, one for pick-and-roll continuations, alley-oops, defensive help, and presence around the rim. A profile different from their other centers and one that can change the physical tone of certain rotations.
His path also has something of a late start. Born in Nigeria, he began playing basketball after arriving in the United States at age 13. He went through the college system, stood out as a shot-blocker at UT Arlington, and then began his professional career in Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Zalgiris' front office explained it clearly: the interior market during the season is usually very complicated, so the club preferred to get ahead and secure now a profile that is not always available.
