BYU’s Gideon George trying out for Nigerian national team ahead of Tokyo Olympics

While Nigeria has qualified for the Olympics, it is looking to add the finishing touches to the roster ahead of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which begin July 23

Published: June 17, 2021, 8:11 p.m. MDT

Brigham Young Cougars forward Gideon George pushes up a shot over Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Anton Watson. — Brigham Young Cougars forward Gideon George (5) pushes up a shot over Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Anton Watson (22) as BYU and Gonzaga play in the finals of the West Coast Conference tournament at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

By Jeff Call

BYU forward and Nigeria native Gideon George will be vying to play in the upcoming Summer Olympics.

George, who recently finished his first season for the Cougars, is traveling to California this weekend to participate in the Nigerian national basketball team training camp.

While Nigeria has qualified for the Olympics, it is looking to add the finishing touches to the roster ahead of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which begin July 23.

Nigeria is coached by Mike Brown, the associate head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

A dream come true. Gideon George came from the outdoor courts of Minna and Owerri Nigeria, to New Mexico JC and now BYU.

Next week, he will be in camp with the Nigerian National Team for Olympic team tryouts.

Amazing. @GideonOmohkudu
🇳🇬 #Tokyo2020 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/J1HWKEjY78
— JUCOadvocate - Brandon Goble (@JUCOadvocate) June 17, 2021

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George averaged 5.4 points and 3.5 rebounds last season for BYU. He arrived in Provo after spending a stop at New Mexico Junior College. Before that, he tried out on outdoor courts in Minna and Owerri, Nigeria, where he was discovered by Brandon Goble of JUCO Advocate.

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