University of Louisville forward Jordan Nwora has been named to Nigeria's 17-member preliminary squad for the 2018 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers on June 29-July 1 at the Indoor Sports Hall of National Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria.

A 6-8 rising sophomore from Buffalo, N.Y., Nwora (pronounced WOR-uh; silent N) has dual citizenship with Nigeria. His father Alex, who is the head coach at Erie Community College, serves as the head coach of the Nigerian team.

"We are thrilled Jordan will have the opportunity to play for the Nigerian National team," said UofL Coach Chris Mack . "What an experience for him to be able to compete on the international level against pros from around the world. We will be following him every step of the way throughout the tournament."

A member of the 2018 All-ACC Academic Team, Nwora averaged 5.7 points and 2.2 rebounds as a freshman last season for the Cardinals, connecting on 43.9 percent of his three-point attempts (25-of-57). He was named the ACC Rookie of the Week for games Feb. 5-11 when he averaged 12 points, 3.3 rebounds and shot 59.1 percent from the field (7-of-11 threes) as the Cardinals won two of three games that week. UofL was 8-1 when Nwora scored in double figures last season.

The Nigerian team will be trimmed to 12 members before playing to secure one of three available Group B spots for the second round of the African Qualifiers. Nigeria won its three previous qualifying games this year played February 23-25 in Mali.

Nigeria will play three games in the Lagos qualifying event, all at 3:30 p.m. ET: June 29 vs. Uganda, June 30 vs. Rwanda and July 1 vs. Mali. Each of the games will be televised online at www.LiveBasketball.tv.  (Gocards.com)

•Photo shows Nworah