NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For the second time in as many seasons, a Vanderbilt men’s basketball standout is headed to the Los Angeles Lakers as AK Okereke signed a two-way contract with the club.
Okereke joins former Commodore and former Cornell graduate Chris Mañon in the Lakers’ two-way pool.
“AK has a unique journey to get his NBA opportunity and, like all the times before, I feel he will excel.,” Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington said. “His combination of diverse basketball skills and outstanding character will serve him well. I truly feel he belongs at the highest level of basketball and now he will show that.”
Headed to the lAKe show 💪
— Vanderbilt Men's Basketball (@VandyMBB) June 26, 2026
AK has inked a two-way deal with LA ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/GcHLdpMwPF
In his final collegiate season with the Commodores, Okereke showcased his versatility on the floor, averaging 9.6 points per game with 3.6 boards and 2.0 assists. The 6-foot-7 winger also produced a career-best 40 percent mark from beyond the arc last season.
Okereke improved throughout the season, scoring 11.5 points per game in SEC play while shooting a team-best 45.5 percent from three. He closed SEC action ranked third on the squad in both rebounding, assists and steals.
Okereke matched a career high with nine rebounds in Vandy’s NCAA Tournament win over McNeese. He dropped a season-high 23 points in the win over Texas A&M, one of 16 contests in double figures for the graduate. 12 of those 16 came against SEC opponents.
Okereke is the second Commodore to reach the NBA this season, joining New York Knicks second-round pick Tyler Nickel.