LOUISVILLE (United States of America) – This summer will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting ever for Jordan Nwora. The Louisville Cardinals player in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is heading to the 2019 NBA draft but above all he is keen on fulfilling a lifelong dream: play at a FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The swingman nicknamed "SWAG" set up a reputation for himself in July last year after putting up an emphatic demonstration during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African qualifiers, hitting an unprecedented 36 points against Mali to set a new tournament best.

The feat also saw the 20-year-old Nwora establish a new Nigeria record for most points scored in a game at a major competition.

The Buffalo native is keen on suiting up for Nigeria and recreating such thrilling displays for "D'Tigers" when the world cup tips off in China on 31 August.

"I AM HOPEFUL THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO DO GREAT THINGS IN THE WORLD CUP AND BRING SOME WINS HOME TO NIGERIA"- Nwora

"It’s always an honor to be able to represent a country in the World Cup, which is one of the biggest competitions in basketball. I’m proud and grateful to be able to represent Nigeria," Nwora told FIBA.basketball.

"I am thankful to my teammates and my coaches for putting me in the position to be able to have a great outing in the qualifiers. I am hopeful that we will be able to do great things in the World Cup and bring some wins home to Nigeria," he added.

The 2.03m (6ft8in) Small Forward is conscious when he hits the courts in China, there will be great pressure on his shoulders. His father, Alex Nwora is Nigeria’s head coach and fans will expect Jordan to surpass himself and make his compatriots proud.

In the two previous participations at the planetary basketball showpiece in 1998 and 2006,"D’Tigers" have never been able to worm their way past round 16.

But with a plethora of talented players starring in Europe and a cast of skilled players impressing in the National Basketball League (NBA) Jordan feels Nigeria can genuinely challenge for medals in China.

"I hope that the coaching staff will be able to assemble the best team - one that Nigeria can be proud of. Our goal is to be one of the countries on the medal podium at the end of the tournament."

Amidst such great confidence, Nwora knows that going past Argentina, Russia and South Korea in the group stages of the FIBA Basketball World Cup will come with its share of challenges

"All these teams are very good, our group is a very tough group. But I am confident, and I know that the coaching staff will get us ready for the games," Nwora mentioned.

He insisted that Africa's four other representatives at the global bonanza could spring up pleasant surprises."I think that Angola, Tunisia, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire as well as Nigeria will represent Africa well."

While thoughts of a universal triumph lingers on Nwora’s mind come September, he’s turned his attention to the NBA draft 2019.

The Louisville Cardinals man garnered a reputation for being a clinical shooter and a tremendous player averaging 17.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists this season.

The Nigerian is optimistic of being a first round pick with the ambition of having a promising career in the NBA. "I feel confident that I will be able to help any team that drafts me. It’s been my dream to always compete at the highest level, so this might be my opportunity to do that,"Nwora hinted.

Jordan credited his father for whipping up his interest in basketball and guiding him throughout his young career.

"I grew up around basketball, my father is a coach and he had a lot of influence in training me from a very early age. That’s when I developed the love for the game," Nwora concluded.

FIBA