Hong Kong’s Muoka signs with Nets aiming to make NBA history

Hong Kong’s David Muoka has taken a monumental step toward making NBA history by signing with the Brooklyn Nets, positioning himself to potentially become the first Hong Kong-born player to compete in the league. 

While the details of the contract remain undisclosed, the 24-year-old center is expected to join the Nets’ training camp, which begins next week. 

This opportunity could lead to Muoka traveling with the team to Macau for two preseason games against the Phoenix Suns next month, offering him a chance to showcase his skills on the international stage.

Muoka, born to Nigerian and British parents but raised in Hong Kong, honed his basketball talents at West Island School, where he competed in local school tournaments. 

He later moved to the United States to pursue his basketball career, playing college basketball for Lamar University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the NCAA. 

In 2023, he made history as the first Hong Kong player to enter the NBA G-League draft, where he was selected third overall by the Capital City Go-Go.

Although he was waived shortly after, Muoka went on to play for the Long Island Nets, the G-League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, marking the start of his professional career.

Last year, Muoka took part in the NBA Draft but went unselected. 

He briefly signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, becoming the first Hong Kong player to secure an NBA contract, though he was later released. 

Undeterred, he joined the Windy City Bulls in the G-League, where he averaged 11.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, delivering a near double-double season. 

Muoka also competed in the NBA Summer League with both the Nets and the Bulls over the past two years but did not secure a contract until this recent announcement with the Nets.

The road ahead remains challenging for Muoka. The Nets currently have 21 players on their roster and must trim it to 15 standard contracts and three two-way contracts before the regular season begins late next month. 

To earn a spot on the final roster and make his NBA debut, Muoka will need to outshine several competitors during training camp. 

His performance there could determine whether he gets to suit up for the Nets in Macau, bringing him closer to his dream of playing in the NBA and representing Hong Kong on one of basketball’s biggest stages.