Kelenna David Azubuike (born 16 December 1983] is an American former professional basketball player.
Born in London, England and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Azubuike became a standout player during his play at Victory Christian High School and was eventually recruited to play for the Wildcats of the University of Kentucky.
After finishing his junior season in college, Azubuike declared himself eligible for the 2005 NBA Draft, eventually going undrafted that year. Azubuike then played for the Fort Worth Flyers of the NBA Development League, leading the league in scoring during the 2006–07 season and eventually being called up to play for the Golden State Warriors.
Kelenna is a hard worker who sets a goal and completes it. One of his greatest accomplishments was reaching the N.B.A. after college.
He did this by seizing every opportunity he got to practice using his skills as a basketball player and at the same time keeping his grades up, and staying out of trouble.
He attended the University of Kentucky playing basketball for their team, the Wildcats. He scored an average of fifteen points per game and scored whopping thirty points at his best in one game. He achieved all of these feats in a very humble fashion.
Azubuike was born in London, England to Kenneth and Chy Azubuike.
Azubuike was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma.[1] Playing for Victory Christian High School, Azubuike led his team to the state title as a sophomore.
He eventually became an All-State selection, averaging 39.1 points and 13.3 rebounds and leading his team to the Class 4A State Championship Game as a senior.
He was the top scorer in the state of Oklahoma during his last three seasons of high school, averaging 28.5 points as a sophomore and 38.7 points as a junior.
Azubuike finished his prep career with 3,530 points, 89 points short of the all-time state scoring mark.
Considered a four-star recruit by Scout.com, Azubuike was listed as the No. 8 small forward and the No. 34 player in the nation in 2002.
Playing under coach Tubby Smith, Azubuike said that the biggest improvement to his game at Kentucky was the ability to create offence through the intense defence.
As a junior, Azubuike was named to the All-SEC Second Team by the Associated Press and the league’s coaches after leading the team and ranking tenth in the SEC in points per game, averaging 14.7 overall.
Azubuike was named to the 2005 SEC All-Tournament Team after averaging 18.0 points in three contests.
During his time with the organization, Azubuike helped the Wildcats to earn two Southeastern Conference titles, two SEC Tournament titles, and two NCAA Elite Eight appearances.
Azubuike averaged 10.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 97 career games at the University of Kentucky, shooting a 48.5% field goal average for his college career.
While attending the University of Kentucky, Azubuike majored in business marketing.
In April 2005, Azubuike announced his plans to enter the draft after his junior year, signing with agent Joel Bell and ending his college eligibility.
In the 2005–06 season, Azubuike averaged 12.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in forty-one games with the Fort Worth Flyers of the NBA’s Developmental League.
Azubuike played with the Denver Nuggets in the 2006 Toshiba Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 16.4 points and finished tied at tenth in the league in scoring.
In August 2006, Azubuike was signed by the Houston Rockets as a free agent but eventually waived by October.
Playing for Fort Worth of the Development League again, Azubuike averaged 5.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.17 steals, and a league-best 26.0 points in 37.7 minutes per contest playing for the Fort Worth Flyers of the NBA Development League, shooting 51.4% from the field and 48.5% from three-point range over twelve games.
On 23 March 2012, Azubuike was signed by the Dallas Mavericks. As part of his comeback, he was assigned to the Mavericks’ D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends.
On 9 April 2012, he was recalled by the Mavericks.
On 20 April 2012, Azubuike played in his first NBA game since 14 November 2009, against the Golden State Warriors.
On 28 June 2012, during the 2012 NBA Draft, Azubuike was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.[16] He was waived by the Cavaliers on 14 October 2012
Azubuike has three siblings: Nonzo, Nesochi and Adaeze.
He is a Christian music fan and enjoys creating his music.
During the 2006–07 season, Azubuike made an appearance on Bay Area hip hop station KMEL and interviewed while the station played music which he produced.
Azubuike is a Christian, contrary to popular belief, he is not related to Kansas Jayhawks basketball player Udoka Azubuike.
Azubuike has been involved with many humanitarian causes during his time in the NBA.
Azubuike accepted a personal invitation from Jakaya Kikwete, the President of Tanzania, to take part in Leon H. Sullivan Summit VIII, a five-day convention held from 2 to 6 June 2008 in Arusha, Tanzania.
The convention brought together many of the world’s political and business leaders to focus attention and resources on Africa’s economic and social development.
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