David Akinyooye ’11, Oklahoma City Thunder Assistant Coach

David Akinyooye (pronounced Ah-kin-YO-ye) has made the NBA with his circuitous route. After four seasons with OKC Blue’s G League affiliate, Akinyooye recently was promoted to assistant coaching staff of the Thunder.

He is one of five assistant coaches hired by head coach Billy Donovan, joining current Thunder assistant coaches Maurice Cheeks and Vin Bhavnani as well as director of quality control Billy Schmidt.

Early Life and Education

David Akinyooye (pronounced AY-nee) enjoyed four years at Adelphi University where he gained valuable exposure to New York City. Making at least one trip a year, David had plenty of chances to hone his craft there.

Akinyooye attributes his network of classmates and faculty at the Center for Career and Professional Development as being instrumental in landing his first job after graduation. Furthermore, he learned that there is nothing quite like making a difference in someone else’s life and seeing its benefits manifested in your own.

After graduating, Akinyooye chose to remain in the metro area and is now an enthusiastic Thunder fan. As one of five new assistant coaches, his mission will be to lead this franchise back to its third NBA championship title in franchise history.

Professional Career

Akinyooye’s professional career took an interesting turn. He began with the New York Knicks before spending time abroad as an assistant coach – including a year in Lyon, France where he worked for Asvel Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket and helped guide them to victory in the French league finals.

He then joined Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder’s G League affiliate, in 2015, and remained with that franchise for four seasons before being promoted to assistant coach with the Thunder.

Akinyooye developed his adaptability, willingness to take risks and tactics for setting egos aside in the French league during that time; these traits will serve him well as he joins Oklahoma City’s coaching staff. Furthermore, his background as a communications major from Adelphi University will serve him well throughout his coaching career.

Achievements and Honors

David Akinyooye ’11 has dedicated his professional career to aiding those facing financial struggles. As a financial consultant for Equinox Financial Partners in Oklahoma City, he assists his clients with retirement planning and risk management strategies.

Akinyooye began his career as an accountant, but upon realizing he wasn’t always providing the right solutions for his clients, he transitioned into a role as financial consultant. As a consultant, Akinyooye takes time to listen carefully and educate clients on the most suitable strategies tailored towards their requirements.

After four seasons with G League affiliate OKC Blue, Akinyooye was promoted to assistant coach of the Thunder two weeks ago. His connection to Thunder general manager Sam Presti and vice president of insight & foresight Rob Hennigan is strong, plus he brings his player development expertise from Spurs organization to OKC.

Personal Life

As an accountant, Akinyooye wanted to assist his clients with both short and long-term financial concerns. Unfortunately, he often lacked the necessary tools for such assistance.

In 2010, Akinyooye joined Equinox Financial Partners as a financial consultant, to better serve his clients’ needs. As senior advisor, he takes great care in understanding his client’s financial worries and then develops strategies to address them effectively.

He’s also acquired valuable communication skills during his time as a communications major at Adelphi University. This ability serves him well in his current job, where he assists his clients with retirement planning and risk management – the perfect way to make a difference in their lives.

Net Worth

David Akinyooye is the head of a financial advisory firm who has helped many clients achieve their short and long-term objectives. He takes great care in listening to what his clients need before providing advice on suitable strategies. Once an agreement is reached, David implements it and adjusts it as lifecycle events arise, ensuring that clients’ finances stay on track to reach those milestones.

Akinyooye is a volunteer for the American Cancer Society gala committee, Island Harvest and Salvation Army. Additionally, he volunteers at his church, Elmont Memorial in New York. A graduate of Stony Brook University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Akinyooye joined Equinox Financial Partners in 2010, estimated to have an net worth of approximately $1.3 million.