MEET JOSH AKOGNON

Josh Akognon (pronounced Uh-Koy-Yawn) is originally from Petaluma, California, just 30 minutes north of San Francisco. His basketball journey took him all over the world, but today, he resides in Overland Park, Kansas. If you’re wondering how he ended up here, the answer is simple—family.

His wife, Ariana, is from Topeka, Kansas, where she was a standout basketball player at Topeka West High School. She still holds the all-time scoring record for the women’s program and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. The two met at Washington State University, where they both played basketball for their respective teams.

Josh had a 13-year professional basketball career, which included time in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks, playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, and Shawn Marion. He also had a brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, alongside Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, and Mike Conley.

Beyond the NBA, Josh represented Nigeria in the 2016 Rio Olympics, competing against some of the world’s best. He also played in the EuroLeague, widely considered the most competitive league outside of the NBA. His journey took him across the globe, including eight years in China, where he faced legends like Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, and Stephon Marbury. He also played in Italy, Serbia, Estonia, Russia, Lithuania, Spain, and even Seoul, South Korea.

Even though Josh could have kept playing, he chose to retire at 34 years old. It wasn’t an easy decision, but he knew it was time to come home and be there for his kids on their journey. He and Ariana have been married for 16 years and are raising four children—three boys and one girl.