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TORONTO – When Jonathan Mogbo was last eliminated from the game, Herbie Kuhn, announcer at Skoniubuck Arena, announced that he was the first NBA rookie to complete a triple-double this season, with the entire Toronto Raptors taking a place as a 23-year-old forward.
Mogbo scored 17 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in 38 minutes of the game, most of Toronto’s most starters-the Raptors beat the Charlotte Hornets 126-96 on Wednesday.
Not only is this the first pair of Mogbo’s NBA career, it’s his first at any competitive basketball level.
“It’s something that happens a lot, but it’s nice to see everyone happy,” he said. “I’m short and shy a few times in college. I never got it.”
“I’m not looking forward to finally getting into the NBA. Just wish and thank my teammates.”
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Mogbo actually made his teammates celebrate his triple-double equal weight to achieve the feat.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a better feeling,” he said. “It’s great to just see my teammates happy for me at the end of the day, and it feels good to smile on people’s faces.”
Head coach Darko Rajakovic said the Raptors’ reaction on the bench was a tribute to the respected Mogbo.
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Rajakovic said: “People inside the organization know how much work he has put in this year and are proud of the kid.
“It’s nice to see him go there to perform. But it’s nice to see his teammates, how they celebrate with him, and they’re happy for him tonight.”
Mogbo averaged 5.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and two assists per game, entering Wednesday’s home finale. However, when Rajakovic exited the playoffs and the regular season with Toronto, he saw his usage climb.
“It’s been a great journey,” Mogbo said. “Every day, try not to take anything for granted.
“It’s a blessing to be here at the end of the day. So just take it day after day.”
Toronto has selected Mob in the past second round, the 31st place in the NBA draft last summer. Mogbo played NCAA basketball for the final year at the University of San Francisco, where he mainly served as center.
The Raptors brought him to the wings, including on Wednesday night when Rajakovic tried to perfect his game.
“I think it’s very important for him not to distinguish between the two positions,” Rajakovic said. “I think sometimes it’s like overthinking, ‘Oh, I’m doing something different right now.’
“He still needs to play pickups, set up the screen and scroll. He still needs to run the floor. He still needs to cut the edges very efficiently. He just needs to convert his game from fifth to fourth before he can himself.”
This report by Canadian media was first published on April 9, 2025.
& Copy 2025 Canadian Press
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