Chinanu Onuaku
A tenacious professional basketball center known for his rebounding prowess and a distinctive underhanded free-throw technique.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American basketball player·Birthday: November 1·Millennials
Biography
Chinanu Onuaku carved out his professional basketball path with grit and a specific, unorthodox skill. The Maryland native made his mark at the University of Louisville, where his defensive presence and rebounding caught the eye of NBA scouts, leading to his selection by the Houston Rockets in the 2016 draft. While his NBA minutes were limited, Onuaku found his footing overseas, becoming a dominant force in leagues from Israel to Russia. His game is defined by physicality and a relentless pursuit of the ball off the glass, a trait that saw him lead the Israeli Premier League in rebounds during the 2021-22 season. He is perhaps most visually memorable to basketball fans for reviving the nearly extinct underhand, or 'granny-style,' free throw shot during his professional career, a deliberate choice to improve his percentage. Onuaku's journey exemplifies the global nature of modern basketball, where specialists can thrive by mastering specific crafts.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chinanu was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chinanu Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Chinanu's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 37th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2016 NBA Draft.
- Led the Israeli Basketball Premier League in rebounds per game during the 2021-22 season while playing for Bnei Herzliya.
- Played a key role for the Louisville Cardinals, helping the team reach the NCAA tournament's Elite Eight in 2015.
Did You Know?
He is the younger brother of former NBA player Arinze Onuaku.
Onuaku famously switched to shooting underhanded free throws professionally to improve his accuracy.
He played for the Nigerian national basketball team in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
“I shoot free throws underhand because it works.”
