Glendale, Ariz.  On Monday, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the 2026 NAIA Men's Basketball All-America Teams and Ese Onakpoma was selected a First Team All-American.

Onakpoma, from Naugatuck, CT, topped the Firestorm with 16.4 points and 32 blocks.  The guard added 4.7 rebounds, 48 steals and 61 assists.  Back in December against Carroll (MT), Onakpoma delivered an ACU season high of 28 points.  His five steals versus Oregon Tech tied for an ACU season best.

With Onakpoma leading the way, the Firestorm advanced all the way to the NAIA quarterfinals.  The senior raised his game on the national scene as he poured in 19.3 points in four games including 27 points against the eventual national champs Freed-Hardeman.

For Onakpoma, this is his second NAIA All-American honor after being selected as Third Team player to end his 2025 campaign.

Congrats, Ese!