Proud Liberian Mother Tenneh Sorber Sheds Tears of Joy as Son Thomas Sorber Drafted 15th Overall by Thunder

The 2025 NBA Draft was filled with unforgettable moments, but perhaps none more emotional than the sight of Tenneh Sorber wiping away tears as her son, Thomas Sorber, achieved his lifelong dream. With the 15th overall pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Sorber, a standout center from Georgetown University, adding promising depth and size to their championship-winning roster.

For Thomas, the moment was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. For Tenneh, it was the realization of a dream rooted far deeper — one born thousands of miles away amid the hardship of Liberia’s civil war.

Tenneh Sorber’s journey to that special night in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center began with unimaginable adversity. Born and raised in Liberia, Tenneh and her husband fled the nation in the early 2000s, seeking refuge from the devastating civil unrest that tore apart families and communities. Like so many others displaced by conflict, the Sorbers came to the United States with little more than hope for a better life.

Though life in America presented new challenges, Tenneh and her husband shared a deep passion for basketball — a love that would later take root in their son. Sadly, their shared dreams took a heartbreaking turn in 2013 when Tenneh’s husband passed away from colon cancer, leaving her to raise their young children alone.

“It was the hardest moment of my life,” Tenneh reflected after the draft announcement, tears streaming down her face as she held tightly to Thomas. “He was our rock. We came here for a better life, and when he passed, I didn’t know how I would do it alone.”

But alone, she did it. Tenneh juggled multiple jobs to provide for her family, instilling in her children a fierce work ethic, deep faith, and unshakable resilience. Her late husband’s love of basketball lived on in Thomas, who quickly showed promise on the court.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Thomas Sorber developed into a physically imposing and technically gifted center. Standing 6-foot-10 with a broad frame and soft touch around the rim, he became one of the most sought-after high school recruits in the nation. His decision to attend Georgetown University held special meaning, honoring both his father’s memory and the legacy of African athletes who paved the way in American basketball.

At Georgetown, Sorber emerged as a dominant force. His freshman season turned heads across the country as he averaged 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. His defensive presence, rebounding ability, and mature understanding of the game made him a projected first-round pick well before the college season ended.

But beyond the stat sheets and scouting reports, Sorber carried with him the hopes of his family and an entire nation watching from afar.

“Every time I step on the court, I think about my dad and my mom,” Sorber said during his post-draft press conference. “My mom sacrificed everything for us. She’s the reason I’m here, and I hope I made her proud.”

He did. Tenneh’s proud tears were more than just a celebration of her son’s success — they symbolized the journey of an entire family, the resilience of a refugee mother, and the power of hope transcending borders.

For Liberia, Sorber’s achievement represents more than basketball. In a nation still healing from the scars of civil war, his selection in the NBA Draft is a source of immense national pride. The Liberian flag emoji flooded social media in the hours following the draft, with fans, politicians, and fellow athletes celebrating the moment as a victory for their homeland.

“Thomas Sorber shows the world that no matter where you come from, with hard work and determination, anything is possible,” remarked Liberia’s Minister of Youth and Sports in a statement congratulating the young star. “We are proud of him, and proud of Tenneh Sorber for her strength and perseverance.”

The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off a successful season that ended with an NBA title, view Sorber as a key piece for their future. With veteran stars and a talented young core, the addition of Sorber adds both size and defensive prowess to an already formidable lineup.

“Thomas is exactly the kind of player and person we want in our organization,” Thunder General Manager Sam Presti said. “He’s a tireless worker, a high-character individual, and someone whose ceiling is incredibly high.”

Sorber’s selection also highlights the continued global influence on the NBA, with international and immigrant stories increasingly shaping the league’s landscape. From Giannis Antetokounmpo’s journey from Greece and Nigeria to Joel Embiid’s rise from Cameroon, Sorber adds his name to the growing list of players whose paths to the NBA began in distant, challenging circumstances.

“Coming from Liberia, moving to America, losing my dad — all of that has shaped me,” Sorber shared with reporters. “But it’s also made me appreciate this moment even more. This is bigger than me — it’s for my family, for Liberia, for everyone who believed in me.”

As cameras captured the emotional embrace between mother and son, the gravity of the moment was undeniable. Tenneh’s tears told a story that words could scarcely capture — of loss, love, hardship, and triumph.

In many ways, her journey mirrors the very essence of the NBA Draft — where dreams are realized, lives are changed, and new chapters begin.

The Barclays Center roared with applause as Sorber made his way to the stage, donning his Oklahoma City Thunder cap with pride. But in the sea of celebration, all eyes returned to Tenneh, whose unwavering strength and love carried her son to this moment.

Thomas Sorber may have been drafted 15th overall, but for his family and for Liberia, his selection represents a first — a symbol of possibility, of dreams fulfilled, and of a mother’s love that knows no boundaries.

“Mom, we did it,” Sorber said, smiling through his own tears. “We really did it.”

Congratulations to Thomas Sorber, the Sorber family, and the people of Liberia. The journey has just begun — and the world is ready to watch.