Aher Uguak

Aher Simon Uguak (born May 24, 1998) is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Chemnitz 99 of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) and the FIBA Europe Cup. He played college basketball for New Mexico and Loyola Chicago.

Aher Uguak
Aher Uguak in 2023
No. 1 – Niners Chemnitz
PositionSmall forward
LeagueBasketball Bundesliga
FIBA Europe Cup
Personal information
Born (1998-05-24) May 24, 1998
Ismailia, Egypt
NationalityCanadian
Listed height6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High schoolHarry Ainlay
(Edmonton, Alberta)
College
NBA draft2022: undrafted
Playing career2022–present
Career history
2022–2023Chemnitz 99
2023Edmonton Stingers
2023–presentChemnitz 99
Career highlights and awards
  • Third-team All-MVC (2021)
  • 2× MVC All-Defensive Team (2021, 2022)

Early life and high school career

Uguak was born in Egypt after his family had fled their native Sudan to escape civil war. When he was eight months old, his family settled in Canada. Uguak started out playing Gridiron football but switched to basketball at age 7, inspired by the achievements of his cousin Luol Deng.[1] He attended Harry Ainlay High School in Edmonton, Alberta.[2] Uguak led his team to back-to-back provincial titles.[3] He committed to playing college basketball for New Mexico.[4] He was the highest rated prospect in his class from Alberta.[5]

College career

As a freshman at New Mexico, Uguak averaged 1.2 points per game before leaving the program.[6] For his sophomore season, he transferred to Loyola (Illinois) and sat out for one year due to transfer rules.[7] As a sophomore, Uguak was a regular starter, averaging 5.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He averaged 5.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game as a junior.[8] Uguak improved offensively during his senior season.[9] On January 2, 2021, he recorded a career-high 26 points and seven rebounds in a 57–49 win over North Texas.[10] Uguak was named to the Third Team All-Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and the MVC All-Defensive Team.[9] As a senior, he averaged 7.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, shooting 61.9 percent from the field. Following the season, Uguak took advantage of the extra season of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[11] He was named to the MVC All-Defensive Team.[12]

Professional career

On July 25, 2022, Uguak signed with Chemnitz 99 of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL).[13]

On March 2, 2023, Uguak signed with Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).[14]

Career statistics
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

College
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2016–17 New Mexico 1927.4.350.125.533.7.4.3.11.2
2017–18 Loyola Redshirt Redshirt
2018–19 Loyola 342825.1.504.200.6873.51.0.9.25.8
2019–20 Loyola 323124.0.517.158.6283.91.9.5.15.7
2020–21 Loyola 313124.5.619.333.7643.91.2.9.07.3
Career 1169221.7.539.238.6743.31.2.7.15.4

Personal life

Uguak's younger brother, Lwal, plays in the CFL as a defensive lineman for the Montreal Alouettes.[15] His cousin, Luol Deng, played in the National Basketball Association.[1]

References
  1. Ryan, Shannon (November 5, 2018). "Aher Uguak, a cousin of Luol Deng, is an athletic newcomer to Loyola's rotation". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  2. O'Leary, Chris (March 20, 2015). "Good reason for Harry Ainlay hoops pair to aim high". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  3. Moddejonge, Gerry (March 10, 2021). "Edmonton basketball product on his way to NCAA March Madness". Journal Pioneer. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  4. Grammer, Geoff (October 21, 2015). "Lobos get commitment from athletic 2016 small forward". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  5. Fuller, Jim (September 28, 2018). "Canadian pipeline helps UConn land defensive lineman Lwal Uguak". New Haven Register. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  6. Nostvick, Andrew (June 1, 2017). "New Mexico Basketball: Uguak likely transferring from program". Busting Brackets. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  7. Schultz, Nick (September 19, 2018). "Loyola's 'Best Athlete' Uguak Ready for First Season After Transfer". Loyola Phoenix. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  8. "Aher Uguak – Men's Basketball". Loyola University Chicago Athletics. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  9. Calzada, Lu (March 7, 2021). "The Year of Aher: Uguak's Standout Season". Loyola Phoenix. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  10. "Uguak leads Loyola of Chicago over North Texas 57-49". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. January 2, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  11. Ryan, Shannon (April 23, 2021). "Lucas Williamson is 1 of 4 Loyola seniors to announce his return for an extra season of eligibility — a boost for new coach Drew Valentine". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  12. "AJ Green of UNI Headlines 2022 MVC MBB All-Conference Teams" (Press release). Missouri Valley Conference. March 1, 2022. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  13. "Neuer Mann Aus Kanada". chemnitz99.de (in German). July 25, 2022. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  14. "Aher Uguak Rejoins Stingers for Second Season". CEBL.ca. March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  15. Dubois, Stephanie (March 31, 2018). "Edmonton family of NCAA player Aher Uguak 'so proud' of his success". CBC News. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
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