Six-foot-six Dons forward Jonathan Mogbo was selected 31st overall by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft on June 27, marking the first time in 42 years a USF student athlete was drafted into the league.
In a phone interview with the San Francisco Chronicle following the draft, Mogbo said, “I tried to hold my tears back, so I did a good job of that. Just having a smile on my face, just trying to embrace the moment.”
In his lone season on the hilltop, after transferring from Missouri State, Mogbo averaged 14.2 points and 3.6 assists per game, and led the West Coast Conference (WCC) in rebounds, steals and field goal percentage (63.6%). His top performance of the season included a 30 point, 18 rebound effort in a win vs. the University of Pacific on Jan. 4.
Mogbo finished the season with three WCC Player of the Week awards, and was named WCC Newcomer of the Year along with being named All WCC First Team.
Head Coach Chris Gerlufsen said, “We had expectations for him, but he blew all those expectations out of the water. We expected him to be a major contributor for us, one of our better players, but he just kind of exploded once he got here and got into our system.”
On draft day, many Dons men’s basketball players gathered in the Sobrato Club room, watching live as Mogbo’s name was called on ESPN.
Reflecting on the experience, fifth-year guard Marcus Williams said, “We were more excited than anybody, outside of his mom. We all jumped up and [were] just hella hype. You know, we miss him. He was a crazy, crazy good player, [an] even better person, but happy for that man, and the team roots for his success.”
He added, “J Mo was one of those guys, no matter what, he’s coming in with a great attitude, great energy. If you [were] having a bad day, and you get around J Mo, you’re gonna be laughing and having a good time.” Williams and Mogbo shared All WCC first team honors last season.
“Good luck to you, bro. And I wish you the best,” Williams said. “I got him as my Rookie of the Year.”
Former roommate and fourth year guard Malik Thomas said, “That was a surreal feeling. We manifested being in the NBA, so I’m next, for sure, but excited for him and his journey, and he deserves everything that’s coming his way.”
Thomas continued, “[He’s] very consistent in everything he does, from waking up, getting shots up in the morning, to eating the same foods to keep his diet right. Just a very high character guy, so I wasn’t surprised when he got drafted.”
This July, Mogbo debuted in Raptors threads during the NBA 2k25 Summer League, playing two games. The Toronto Raptors will open up their season on Oct. 23 at Scotiabank Arena vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers, where Mogbo will get the opportunity to officially make his NBA debut.
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