Kings forward Jonathan Mogbo revealed that a promise to his mother fueled his NBA journey, as the two-way signee looks to earn a permanent role in Sacramento through defense and versatility.
There's only a 1.2% chance for an average NCAA men's basketball player to make it to the NBA draft. It goes even down to 0.03% if we include all high school players.
So obviously, making it to the big leagues was never easy for Jonathan Mogbo.
After stops at multiple colleges and a season with the Toronto Raptors, the versatile forward is now looking for a fresh start with the Sacramento Kings after signing a two-way contract for the 2026-27 season.
The 24-year-old believes he found exactly what he was searching for when he joined Sacramento.
Now that Mogbo has already reached the NBA, he revealed there was a time when his basketball future looked far less certain. During his senior year of high school, he had an emotional conversation with his mother that ultimately changed his outlook.
"There was a time my senior year of high school where I had a deep conversation with my mom," Mogbo said. "She just told me to keep going."
That encouragement inspired Mogbo to make a promise to himself that still motivates him to this day.
"I told myself two years from then I was going to be in the NBA. I still have it on my phone."
That belief eventually became reality when the Raptors selected him with the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Now entering his third professional season, Mogbo hopes to establish himself as part of Sacramento's young core.
The Kings have already made it clear what they expect from the 6-foot-9 forward. Rather than asking him to become a high-volume scorer, the organization wants him to embrace the role that has defined his career.
"Basically just being versatile, guarding the best guy, rebounding, switching one through five," Mogbo said.
Defense, he explained, has always been the foundation of his game.
"Defense has always been a major priority. Offense came later throughout the years, but defense has always been a major priority."
That mentality shapes the way he approaches every game.
"Defense always shows; that's offense for me," Mogbo said. "I'm not really worried about scoring first. I want a steal, a stop, blocks, deflections—something like that."
Mogbo has already displayed his versatility during Summer League. He contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block in Sacramento's win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Additionally, his defensive activity has helped fuel the Kings' undefeated Summer League run. He also came away impressed by Sacramento's supporters after experiencing the California Classic firsthand.
"It's a great fan base," Mogbo said. "They're very passionate, and they want us to win."
With training camp still months away, Mogbo isn't easing into his new opportunity. He’s bringing that same determination into work as he eyes a permanent spot in the Sacramento roster.
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