Wooga Poplar Bio
Nisine Hamir “Wooga” Poplar is an American professional basketball player born on January 5, 2003, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and competing at 89 kilograms, Poplar developed into a versatile guard-forward through the Philadelphia high school ranks before emerging as a college standout at two major programs. He played college basketball for the Miami Hurricanes and the Villanova Wildcats, building a reputation as a reliable scorer and rebounder at both schools.
After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, Poplar joined the Chicago Bulls for the 2025 NBA Summer League and later signed an Exhibit 10 deal. He currently plays for the Windy City Bulls, the Chicago Bulls’ affiliate in the NBA G League, where he continues his professional development. Across his college and early professional career, Poplar has been recognized for his scoring ability, rebounding, and competitive presence on the court.
Early Life and Background
Wooga Poplar was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he grew up surrounded by a strong basketball culture. He attended the Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School, commonly known as MCSCS, located in his hometown. The school has produced several basketball talents, and Poplar quickly distinguished himself as one of its most promising players.
Poplar began playing organized basketball as a sophomore, averaging 14.5 points per game and earning a spot on the 2A All-State Second Team. His game grew rapidly during his junior year, when he averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest. That season, he was named PIAA 2A Player of the Year and led MCSCS to its first Philadelphia Public League championship, recording 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in the title game on his way to tournament MVP honors. He also guided the team to a PIAA state title during that same period.
As a senior, Poplar was selected to the 3A All-State First Team and led his squad to the state semifinals. He was regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports, while ESPN rated him as a three-star prospect. On September 15, 2020, he committed to playing college basketball for the University of Miami over scholarship offers from Auburn, Georgia, Maryland, Penn State, and Seton Hall.
Path to Basketball
Poplar’s path to high-level basketball began in Philadelphia’s competitive high school scene, where he developed into one of Pennsylvania’s most productive scorers. His leadership at MCSCS, including a Philadelphia Public League championship and a PIAA state title, established him as a priority recruit for college programs. His combination of size, scoring, and rebounding made him an attractive prospect for schools seeking a versatile perimeter player.
Recruiting analysts at Rivals and 247Sports rated him as a four-star prospect, reflecting the expectations placed on him entering college. His commitment to Miami gave him the opportunity to compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference, one of the most demanding basketball leagues in the country. That decision set the stage for a college career that would later include a transfer to another powerhouse program.
Wooga Poplar Career
Early Career (2021–2023)
Poplar joined the Miami Hurricanes and, during his freshman season, played alongside future NBA players Jordan Miller and Isaiah Wong. The Hurricanes advanced to their first Elite Eight in program history that season, giving Poplar early exposure to deep postseason runs. Although his minutes were limited as a freshman, the experience helped him adapt to the speed and physicality of college basketball.
In his sophomore year, Poplar saw a significantly larger role, starting 36 of the 37 games he played and averaging 8.4 points in 23.5 minutes per game. On March 26, 2023, he scored 16 points in an 88–81 Elite Eight victory over Texas, helping Miami reach its first Final Four in program history. His development as a reliable starter set the foundation for a breakout junior campaign.
Miami Breakthrough (2023–2024)
During his junior season at Miami, Poplar started all 29 games he appeared in and averaged 13.1 points per game, recording three double-doubles along the way. He showed improved scoring consistency and began handling a larger share of the offensive load. On December 16, 2023, he scored a then career-high 25 points in an 84–77 win over La Salle, signaling his ability to take over games offensively.
Following that junior season, Poplar entered the 2024 NBA Draft and the transfer portal before ultimately withdrawing from the draft. His decision to return to college opened the door for a senior-season transfer to a new program.
Villanova Era (2024–2025)
On June 5, 2024, Poplar committed to Villanova for his senior season, bringing his experience to a Wildcats program competing in the Big East. He averaged a career-high 15.3 points per game, finishing second on the team behind Eric Dixon, and led the Wildcats in rebounding with 7.0 rebounds per game. His all-around production made him one of the most impactful transfers in the conference.
Poplar was named to the All-Big East Third Team in recognition of his senior-season performance. On March 13, 2025, he led Villanova in scoring with 25 points in a 73–56 loss against UConn in the Big East tournament quarterfinals. Later, on April 3, he scored a career-high 32 points along with 11 rebounds in a 104–98 overtime loss against UCF in the Crown tournament semifinals, capping his college career with a memorable individual performance.
Windy City Bulls Era (2025–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, Poplar joined the Chicago Bulls for the 2025 NBA Summer League, where he showcased his skills against NBA-level competition. On July 6, 2025, he signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Bulls, a contract that typically includes an invitation to training camp and a pathway to the G League affiliate. He was waived on September 25, 2025, before joining the Windy City Bulls.
As a member of the Windy City Bulls, Poplar continues his professional development in the NBA G League. His scoring and rebounding ability, refined through years of high-level college competition, position him as a player to watch as he works toward potential NBA opportunities.
Driving Style and Strengths
Poplar’s game is built on scoring versatility, perimeter athleticism, and a willingness to attack the glass from the wing. At both Miami and Villanova, he demonstrated the ability to create his own shot, finish through contact, and contribute as a secondary rebounder. His 6-foot-5 frame allows him to defend multiple positions, while his scoring range and comfort in transition make him a useful offensive piece in up-tempo systems.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his standout moments, Poplar’s 16-point effort in Miami’s 2023 Elite Eight win over Texas helped the Hurricanes reach their first Final Four. He later posted a career-high 32 points with 11 rebounds against UCF in the 2025 Crown tournament semifinals. His selection to the All-Big East Third Team further cemented his standing as one of the conference’s top performers during his senior season.
Wooga Poplar Career Wins
Wooga Poplar’s career has been marked by team championships and individual awards rather than traditional single-race victories. His résumé includes a Philadelphia Public League championship, a PIAA state title at MCSCS, and selection to the All-Big East Third Team in 2025. While professional win totals in the G League are not yet established, his collegiate achievements reflect a consistent pattern of competitive success.
Collegiate Highlights
At Miami, Poplar contributed to the Hurricanes’ run to the 2023 Final Four, the program’s deepest NCAA Tournament penetration in history. At Villanova, he finished as the team’s second-leading scorer and leading rebounder during his senior season. His career-high 32-point performance against UCF stood as one of the most productive individual outings in the 2025 Crown tournament.
Other Performances
Poplar was a multi-time all-state selection in Pennsylvania, earning PIAA 2A Player of the Year honors during his junior year at MCSCS. His recruitment profile included four-star ratings from Rivals and 247Sports, underscoring the high expectations surrounding his transition to college basketball.
Wooga Poplar Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Wooga Poplar’s family background remains limited. He was raised in Philadelphia, where he attended the Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School, but specific details about his parents or extended family have not been widely reported.
Personal Life
Poplar’s personal life is largely kept private, with no public information available regarding a spouse or children. He continues to focus on his professional basketball career with the Windy City Bulls as of the 2025 season.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a major transition for Wooga Poplar, beginning with his senior year at Villanova and concluding with his entry into professional basketball. At Villanova, he delivered his most productive college season, averaging 15.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while earning All-Big East Third Team recognition. His performances in the Big East tournament and the Crown tournament highlighted his scoring upside and competitive toughness.
Following the conclusion of his college career, Poplar declared for the 2025 NBA Draft but went undrafted. He subsequently joined the Chicago Bulls for the 2025 NBA Summer League and signed an Exhibit 10 deal on July 6, 2025. After being waived in September, he transitioned to the Windy City Bulls, where he began his professional career in the NBA G League.
Looking ahead, Poplar’s primary objective in the 2025 professional season is to establish himself as a consistent contributor for the Windy City Bulls and earn another look from NBA franchises. His scoring ability, rebounding, and experience in high-pressure college games provide a strong foundation for continued growth at the professional level.