Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Ariel Washington Hukporti is a professional basketball player known for his athleticism and presence as a center.

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Ariel Washington Hukporti
  • Nationality: German / Togolese
  • Date of Birth: April 12, 2002
  • Hometown: Stralsund, Germany
  • Height: 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm)
  • Weight: 246 pounds (112 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 1 inch (216 cm)
  • Shoe Size: Size 19 (US)
  • Position: Center
  • Jersey Number: 55
  • High School:
    • Youth Career: Hukporti began his basketball journey with USC Freiburg in the German U16 league before moving to Riesen Ludwigsburg’s junior team, Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg.
  • Teams Played For:
    • Riesen Ludwigsburg (2018–2020): Hukporti started his professional career in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) with Riesen Ludwigsburg.
    • Nevėžis Kėdainiai (2020–2021): He continued his development in the Lithuanian Basketball League.
    • Melbourne United (2021–2024): Hukporti played in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) as part of the league’s Next Stars program, showcasing his talents on an international platform.
    • Riesen Ludwigsburg (2024): Briefly returned to his former team before entering the NBA Draft.
  • NBA Draft 2024: Selected 58th overall by the Dallas Mavericks; his rights were subsequently acquired by the New York Knicks.
    • New York Knicks (2024–present): Signed with the Knicks and participated in the NBA Summer League, averaging 8.4 points on 64.3% shooting, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 18.9 minutes per game.
    • Westchester Knicks (2024–2025): Assigned to the Knicks’ G League affiliate to gain further experience and development.
  • Championship Rings: None.
  • Parents: Raised by a single mother; his parents are of Togolese descent.
  • Siblings: Information not publicly available.
  • Children: None.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Ariel Hukporti’s player archetype is that of a rim-running defensive center, the classic screen-setting, glass-cleaning big whose value starts with size, energy, and interior presence rather than shot creation. Defensively, he projects as a paint protector and scheme big who can block shots, rebound, play drop coverage, and use his instincts and mobility to survive in different coverages, giving him real value as a rotation anchor around the rim. Offensively, Hukporti fits best as a low-usage finisher who thrives on screens, dives, lobs, putbacks, and hustle plays, with his role centered on creating pressure at the rim instead of stretching the floor or operating as a hub. Physically, he brings a powerful seven-foot frame, broad build, strong base, long reach, and good vertical pop, which help him hold space inside and finish through contact. Overall, his play style is straightforward but useful: he wins with toughness, rebounding, interior defense, and simple big-man offense, making him the kind of center who can fill minutes by doing the dirty work consistently. (NBA)

NBA.com — NBA 2024 Draft Prospects | Ariel Hukporti
No Ceilings — Ariel Hukporti and Greatness in Simplicity | The Prospect Overview
NBADraft.net — Ariel Hukporti
Sports Illustrated — NBA Draft Scouting Report: Germany’s Ariel Hukporti