Thomas Sorber: Second-Generation Liberian Makes NBA Draft History

Thomas Sobor

Thomas Sorber’s selection as the 15th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Draft is a landmark for both his family and the Liberian diaspora, marking a journey shaped by resilience, family, and cultural pride [1][2][3].

Sorber’s story began in Trenton, New Jersey, before moving to Philadelphia, where he was raised by his mother, Tenneh, and his late father, Peter—both immigrants from Liberia who fled civil war in the late 1990s to build a new life in the United States [1][3][4]. After losing his father to colon cancer at age six, Thomas and his siblings were raised by Tenneh, who worked tirelessly to honor her husband’s wish: that their children receive a strong education and stay active in sports [3][4]. Tenneh’s determination and work ethic became the foundation of Thomas’s approach to life and basketball.

Sorber’s basketball journey took off at Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia, where he became a four-star recruit and one of the top big men in his class [5][1][2]. His size, skill, and relentless drive quickly set him apart, and he went on to play at Georgetown University. As a freshman, Sorber averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game, earning All-Big East Third Team and unanimous Big East All-Freshman Team honors—even as his season was cut short by a foot injury[5][1][2][6]. His immediate impact and mature, physical playing style drew praise from coaches and scouts alike[5][7][8].

Draft night was an emotional culmination of years of sacrifice. Tenneh, waving a Liberian flag, joined her son on stage as he was called by the reigning NBA champions[9][4]. For the Sorber family and the broader Liberian community, Thomas’s selection was more than an athletic achievement—it was a testament to the dreams and aspirations of second-generation immigrants, and a beacon of hope for young Liberians everywhere[9][3][4].

Sorber’s rise is already inspiring a new generation of athletes with Liberian heritage. His journey demonstrates that with hard work, family support, and pride in one’s roots, anything is possible. As he steps onto the NBA stage, Sorber carries the hopes of two nations and the legacy of those who came before him[3][4].

At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Sorber brings elite defensive instincts, physicality, and a team-first mentality to Oklahoma City[5][8][6]. While he’ll need to continue developing his offensive game—particularly his perimeter shooting—his defensive prowess and work ethic make him a strong fit for the Thunder’s culture and future ambitions[5][8][6]. As Sorber prepares for his NBA debut, he stands not only as a promising young player but as a symbol of perseverance and pride for the Liberian diaspora and all who share in his remarkable journey[3][4][6].

“It’s all for you, Mama. For you.” — Thomas Sorber, on draft night [4]

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Additional Sources

[1] Thomas Sorber - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Sorber

[2] BREAKING: Thunder Draft Sorber With 15th Pick http://thehoya.com/sports/sorber-drafted/

[3] Getting to know Thomas Sorber from Georgetown https://thesuavereport.com/2025/06/25/getting-to-know-thomas-sorber-from-georgetown/

[4] Thomas Sorber after getting drafted by the Thunder | NBA on ESPN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpRN6k92UTg

[5] NBA 2025 Draft Prospects | Thomas Sorber https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/thomas-sorber

[6] OKC Thunder Select Thomas Sorber With No. 15 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/draft-coverage/okc-thunder-select-thomas-sorber-with-no-15-pick-in-2025-nba-draft

[7] 2025 NBA Draft: Thomas Sorber Scouting Report https://floorandceiling.substack.com/p/thomas-sorber-scouting-report

[8] 2025 NBA Draft Profile: Thomas Sorber Brings a Varied Skill Set to ... https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/2025-nba-draft-profile-thomas-sorber-brings-a-varied-skill-set-to-the-big-positions

[9] Moms take centerstage at NBA draft as sons appreciate all ... https://www.ksl.com/article/51335638/moms-take-centerstage-at-nba-draft-as-sons-appreciate-all-the-effort-theyve-put-in

[10] Q&A: Thomas Sorber knows there is so much he hasn't even shown ... https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA_Draft/comments/1ljikv7/qa_thomas_sorber_knows_there_is_so_much_he_hasnt/

[11] 2025 NBA Draft - #15 Pick: Thomas Sorber (Georgetown) https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1lknzj8/2025_nba_draft_15_pick_thomas_sorber_georgetown/

[12] Thomas Sorber selected No. 15 overall by the Thunder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH-3DMzxDLQ

[13] Thunder Upgrade Frontcourt in Draft Following Championship Run https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/thunder_upgrade_frontcourt_in_draft_following_championship_run/s1_17615_42376858

[14] MEN’S BASKETBALL | Somewhere Between DC & the Draft: For Thomas Sorber, GU Is Still in Play https://thehoya.com/sports/somewhere-between-dc-and-the-draft-for-thomas-sorber-georgetown-is-still-in-play/

[15] Scouting Snapshot: Is Thomas Sorber Underrated? https://www.si.com/nba/draft/newsfeed/scouting-snapshot-is-thomas-sorber-underrated-pelicans-grizzlies-timberwolves

[16] From Liberia to Georgetown, to Oklahoma City! The Liberian boy is ... https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLXCX6GN1VZ/

[17] NBA champs draft pick comes from HBCU hoops family https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/article309448365.html

[18] Get to know Thomas Sorber - The Athletic - The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/nba-draft-2025-live-updates-pick-by-pick-tracker/pR0yHrN0PPxZ/I99W5gHe4DiA/

[19] The Ringer's 2025 NBA Draft Guide https://nbadraft.theringer.com/thomas-sorber