Last Updated on December 24, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s detailed information about Serge Ibaka:

  • Full Name: Serge Jonas Ibaka Ngobila
  • Nationality: Congolese-Spanish
  • Age: Born September 18, 1989
  • Hometown: Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
  • Height: 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m)
  • Weight: 235 lbs (107 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m)
  • Shoe Size: 16 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 9, 7, and 25 during his career
  • Position: Power forward / Center
  • High School: Did not attend high school in the traditional American system; grew up playing basketball in Congo.
  • College: Did not attend college; played professionally in Europe before entering the NBA.
  • NBA Draft: 2008, Round 1, Pick 24 by the Seattle SuperSonics (later became the Oklahoma City Thunder)
  • Teams Played For:
    1. Oklahoma City Thunder (2009–2016)
    2. Orlando Magic (2016–2017)
    3. Toronto Raptors (2017–2020)
    4. Los Angeles Clippers (2020–2022)
    5. Milwaukee Bucks (2022–2023)
    6. Indiana Pacers (2023, briefly but didn’t play a game)
  • Championship Rings:
    • 1 NBA Championship: 2019 with the Toronto Raptors
  • Kids: Ibaka has a daughter, Ranie Ibaka, who lives in France.
  • Siblings: Serge Ibaka is one of 18 siblings from a large family in Congo.

Fun Facts

  • Early Life: Ibaka grew up in the Republic of Congo during a time of civil unrest. He began playing basketball as a way to cope with personal loss after the death of his mother and later his father.
  • European Career: Before entering the NBA, Ibaka played for CB L’Hospitalet and Manresa in Spain.
  • Defensive Prowess: Known for his shot-blocking ability, Ibaka led the NBA in blocks per game in 2012 and 2013, earning the nickname “Serge Iblocka.”
  • Versatility: Over time, Ibaka developed into a capable scorer, adding a reliable three-point shot to his game.
  • 2019 NBA Championship: Ibaka played a key role in the Raptors’ championship run, providing defense, rebounding, and timely scoring off the bench.
  • Off-Court Ventures: Ibaka is a fashion enthusiast, chef, and musician. He has a YouTube series, “How Hungry Are You?”, where he interviews fellow players while serving them unconventional dishes.
  • Languages: Ibaka is multilingual, speaking Lingala, French, Spanish, and English fluently.
  • Philanthropy: He is active in charitable efforts through the Serge Ibaka Foundation, focusing on education and health initiatives for children in Congo and other underprivileged areas.