Rookie spotlight: Raptors’ Jonathan Mogbo returns home to face the Miami Heat

It’s a night of firsts and homecomings for Toronto Raptors rookie Jonathan Mogbo. As he steps onto the court at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Friday, he’s not just playing another NBA game — he’s fulfilling a childhood dream about an hour’s drive from his hometown of Wellington.

For Mogbo, this is more than basketball; it’s a family affair. Thanksgiving offered a chance to reunite with loved ones before tonight’s big game.

“It was great. I went back home, Fort Lauderdale, to my aunt’s house and got to have Thanksgiving over there,” Mogbo shared, grinning. “Had some great, great plates, so I only did two plates. I didn’t go crazy or anything! I didn’t go crazy.”

A rookie knows: moderation is key when game day is looming, but there’s no doubt that tonight’s matchup against the Miami Heat has an extra layer of significance for Mogbo.

When asked if this game had a special spot on his calendar, he admitted, “I mean, I look out for every game, but obviously this is close to home. So, you know, I have my family coming out. Their first time seeing me play an NBA game. So it’s gonna be fun, and, you know, can’t wait to see them after the game, but need to lock in first and get this dub.”

Mogbo isn’t playing for just one or two familiar faces in the crowd.

“I probably have about seven family members or friends,” he said with a chuckle. “You know, they got their tickets. It’s hard to do all the tickets. So I have other friends still coming to support. That’s the best part about it.”

The journey to this moment is a testament to Mogbo’s drive and determination. Growing up, the idea of playing on the Heat’s court wasn’t just a dream — it was a goal.

“I definitely had a feeling I was going to play in the Heat arena,” he reflected. “It’s a dream come true, you know, it’s close to home. And it’s going to be fun to see the family out here and, you know, getting them to see me play. So it will be a memorable moment.”

Oddly enough, Mogbo had never set foot in the arena until the Raptors’ morning shoot-around on Friday.

“I’ve never been here. This is my first time,” he said, wide-eyed. “Yeah, I saw the Dwayne Wade statue. But, you know, I don’t know if that’s really D-Wade. The court’s yellow, so it’s kind of different. But, you know, it’s definitely a good vibe in here.”

As Mogbo takes the floor Friday night, the moment will be a culmination of years of hard work and countless hours spent imagining this exact scenario. With his family cheering him on, and a childhood dream realized.