Exciting news for Pasifika athletes in the NBA! Not just one, but two players are making waves! First, Rob was drafted early in the 2024 NBA Draft, and now Tolu Smith III has signed with the Detroit Pistons! It’s a rare and special achievement to see athletes of Pasifika descent in the NBA, and having two now is incredible!
Two of our Tama Samoa have reached the NBA! Rob Dillingham was chosen early in the 2024 NBA Draft—an incredible milestone we’ll never forget. The draft, held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY at the end of June, was particularly special as Rob’s name was called as the 8th overall pick, one of our very own. Initially picked by the San Antonio Spurs, Rob was swiftly traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Wolves traded a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a protected 2030 pick swap to acquire Dillingham.
Rob Dillingham, a standout guard from Kentucky, was part of Coach John Calipari’s final team at Kentucky and was also a key member of the country’s top-ranked recruiting class in 2023. At just 19 years old, Robert Deon Potasi Dillingham has reached this remarkable milestone. Known for his speed and agility on the court, Rob has earned the nickname “shifty” and proudly honors his Samoan heritage. He is the son of Donald Dillingham and Valaaulia Ta’ilele and has three siblings: Fuavea Ta’ilele, Pai Ta’ilele, and Denzel Dillingham.
Rob pays tribute to his Samoan grandparents, Sala Liulamaga and the late Savaii Ta’ilele, who hail from the beautiful Ofu, Manu’a.
We extend our warm wishes to Rob and his family as he embarks on his professional NBA career. This accomplishment holds great significance for our community, and it’s wonderful to see the overwhelming support for him. Go Rob!
Mississippi standout and Kahuku’s very own Tolu Smith III has signed with the Detroit Pistons! It’s incredible to see athletes of Pasifika descent making their mark in the NBA, and now we have two! Tolu, a Kahuku graduate, secured an undrafted free agent deal with the Pistons.
Starting his college career at Western Kentucky and later thriving at Mississippi State, he averaged 15 points and 8.1 rebounds per game as a senior. Coach Chris Jans praised him as a “tireless worker,” instrumental in the Bulldogs’ consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 2023 and 2024, a first since the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons.
Despite going undrafted in 2024, the 6’11”, 245-pound forward will join the Pistons for the Summer League this July. Congratulations to Tolu and his family—wishing him an outstanding NBA career! Huge congratulations to both Tolu and Rob on their achievements; we can’t wait to watch them in the NBA!
