Founder
E.J. Anosike
The Journey Behind The Mission
Who He Is
Educated to Lead. Built to Win. Committed to Serve.
E.J. Anosike's journey represents the intersection of education, athletic excellence, cultural identity, global experience, and service. Born in the United States to Nigerian immigrant parents, he grew up deeply connected to his Nigerian heritage while pursuing opportunities through education and basketball in the United States.
That foundation carried him from NCAA Division I basketball to a professional career spanning several countries and continents. Along the way, he earned university degrees, championships, Most Valuable Player awards, and All-America recognition — and has represented Nigeria as a United Nations delegate and engaged Africa's leading business and government minds at the Africa CEO Forum in Geneva.
Today, he uses those experiences through the Anosike Cares Foundation to create opportunities for children, strengthen communities, connect cultures, and develop the next generation of leaders.
2
University Degrees
2x
Lou Henson All-American
UN
Delegate for Nigeria
5+
Countries of Community Work
Featured Film
The Story In Motion
Gallery
Moments From The Journey
The Journey
From Heritage to Global Purpose
Heritage
Nigerian Roots
Born in the United States to Nigerian immigrant parents and raised with a deep connection to Nigerian culture, family, community, and tradition.
Identity
First-Generation Nigerian-American
Growing up with both American opportunity and Nigerian heritage shaped his ambition, resilience, worldview, and commitment to serving others.
Education
Scholar-Athlete Foundation
Earned a bachelor's degree in Finance and Business Economics with a minor in Accounting before completing a master's degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics.
Collegiate Excellence
NCAA Achievement
Developed into an award-winning Division I athlete, earning conference championships, tournament MVP honors, two All-America selections, academic recognition, and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
Professional Excellence
International Champion and MVP
Built a decorated professional career through championships, scoring titles, All-Star selections, and Most Valuable Player awards across several international leagues, including China's National Basketball League.
Global Experience
From the Court to the World
Used basketball as a bridge to experience different countries, cultures, and leadership environments across multiple continents — including engagements as a United Nations delegate and Africa CEO Forum delegate.
Purpose
Anosike Cares Foundation
Transformed athletic success, education, and international access into a platform focused on children, mentorship, education, cultural exchange, and community development.
Vision
Building Global Pathways
Creating bridges between Africa, Asia, the United States, and the wider world so young people can access sport, education, mentorship, leadership development, and international opportunities.
Education & Intellectual Leadership
Educated to Lead
Education has always been central to E.J. Anosike's journey. While developing into an elite Division I athlete, he remained committed to academic achievement and long-term preparation beyond basketball.
At Sacred Heart University, E.J. earned a bachelor's degree in Finance and Business Economics with a minor in Accounting, and was recognized as the 2020 Northeast Conference Men's Basketball Winter Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He continued at the University of Tennessee, earning a master's degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics in 2021.
His graduate studies strengthened his understanding of economic development, agriculture, international trade, food systems, and strategic investment — and he co-authored published academic research on the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Tennessee forest-product exports. This academic foundation now supports his work across philanthropy, youth development, entrepreneurship, food security, education, and international partnerships.
B.S.
Finance & Business Economics — Sacred Heart University
M.S.
Agricultural & Resource Economics — University of Tennessee, 2021
2020
NEC Winter Scholar-Athlete of the Year
2022
Published Academic Research Co-Author
A Legacy of Excellence
Built to Win
These achievements are not presented only as personal milestones. They represent the experiences, relationships, and global platform that now support his work with children and communities through the Anosike Cares Foundation.
Selected Collegiate Honors
2022
Big West Tournament Champion & Most Valuable Player
Big West Newcomer of the Year
First Team All-Big West
Lou Henson All-America Team
Reese's Division I College All-Star
2020
Lou Henson All-America Team
First Team All-NEC
NABC All-District First Team
NEC Men's Basketball Winter Scholar-Athlete of the Year
2019
NEC Most Improved Player
Second Team All-NEC
Selected Professional Honors
2026
China National Basketball League Champion
China NBL Finals Most Valuable Player
China NBL All-Star
China NBL Slam Dunk Contest Champion
2025
China NBL Regular-Season Most Valuable Player
China NBL All-Star
2024
China NBL Most Valuable Player & Scoring Leader
Belgian Forward of the Year
All-BNXT First Team
European North Basketball League All-Star
2023
All-CEBL Second Team
2022
Korean Basketball League Cup Champion & Most Valuable Player
"Every opportunity I have received through sport, education, and global exposure has reinforced one belief: talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. Through Anosike Cares Foundation, we are committed to creating pathways that help young people realize their potential and positively impact the world around them."
— E.J. Anosike, Founder