Wooga Poplar Bio
Nisine Hamir “Wooga” Poplar is an American professional basketball player born on January 5, 2003, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Standing 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) and weighing around 197 lb (89 kg), he plays the shooting guard position. Poplar played college basketball for the Miami Hurricanes and the Villanova Wildcats before joining the professional ranks. After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, he signed with the Chicago Bulls and is currently listed with the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League.
Known for his scoring ability and rebounding at the college level, Poplar built a reputation as a versatile wing who could take over games on the offensive end. He helped Miami reach the Elite Eight and later the Final Four, and he finished his college career as one of the leading scorers at Villanova.
Early Life and Background
Wooga Poplar was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the same city that has produced numerous basketball talents. He attended the Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School (MCSCS) in Philadelphia, where he first gained recognition as a high school standout. His Philadelphia upbringing placed him in a competitive basketball environment, and he developed his game through local leagues and travel circuits before reaching the varsity level.
Poplar did not start playing organized basketball until his sophomore year, but he quickly made an impression. He averaged 14.5 points per game as a sophomore, earning a spot on the 2A All-State Second-Team. As a junior, he elevated his game to 22.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, was named PIAA 2A Player of the Year, and led MCSCS to its first Philadelphia Public League championship. He also led the team to a PIAA state title during his high school career.
In his senior season, Poplar was named to the 3A All-State First Team and led MCSCS to the state semifinals. Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports and a three-star recruit by ESPN, he chose to commit to the University of Miami on September 15, 2020, over offers from Auburn, Georgia, Maryland, Penn State, and Seton Hall.
Path to Basketball
Poplar’s path to basketball began with a delayed start but featured rapid development at MCSCS. By his junior year, his scoring and rebounding numbers made him one of the top players in Pennsylvania’s 2A classification. His recruiting stock rose quickly, and his commitment to Miami in 2020 signaled his arrival on the national stage.
At Miami, Poplar joined a Hurricanes program on the rise. During his freshman season, he played alongside future NBA players Jordan Miller and Isaiah Wong as Miami advanced to its first Elite Eight in program history. As a sophomore, he earned a larger role, starting 36 of 37 games and averaging 8.4 points in 23.5 minutes per game.
In his junior season at Miami, Poplar started all 29 games and averaged 13.1 points per game while recording three double-doubles. On December 16, 2023, he scored a then career-high 25 points in an 84–77 win over La Salle. After initially entering the 2024 NBA Draft and the transfer portal, he withdrew from the draft and committed to Villanova for his senior season on June 5, 2024.
Wooga Poplar Career
Early Career (2021–2024)
Poplar’s college career began at the University of Miami during the 2021–22 season, where he served as a developmental piece on a deep Hurricanes roster. Working alongside established veterans, he gained valuable postseason experience as Miami reached the Elite Eight in his freshman year.
By his sophomore and junior seasons, Poplar had grown into a reliable starter for the Hurricanes. On March 26, 2023, he scored 16 points in an 88–81 Elite Eight win against Texas, helping Miami reach its first Final Four in program history. He continued to develop as a scorer and rebounder throughout his time in Coral Gables.
Villanova Breakthrough (2024–2025)
Poplar transferred to Villanova for the 2024–25 season, and his impact was immediate. He averaged a career-high 15.3 points per game, second on the team behind Eric Dixon, while also leading the Wildcats in rebounding with 7.0 rebounds per game. His performance earned him a spot on the All-Big East Third Team.
On March 13, 2025, Poplar led Villanova with 25 points in a 73–56 loss to UConn in the Big East tournament quarterfinals. He closed his college career with a career-high 32 points and 11 rebounds on April 3 in a 104–98 overtime loss to UCF in the Crown tournament semifinals.
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. He signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Bulls on July 6, 2025, before being waived on September 25. He is currently listed with the Windy City Bulls, the Bulls’ NBA G League affiliate.
Poplar’s transition to the professional ranks gives him an opportunity to continue developing his scoring and playmaking at the highest minor-league level in North America. His size and skill set as a shooting guard make him a prospect worth tracking as he gains experience.
Driving Style and Strengths
Poplar is known as a versatile wing who can score from multiple spots on the floor and rebound effectively for his position. His college production at both Miami and Villanova demonstrated an ability to handle increased responsibility, and his 6 ft 5 in frame allows him to play above smaller defenders.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Poplar’s signature moments are his 16-point performance in Miami’s 2023 Elite Eight win over Texas, his 25-point game against La Salle on December 16, 2023, and his career-high 32 points with 11 rebounds against UCF in the Crown tournament semifinals in April 2025. He also led MCSCS to its first Philadelphia Public League championship in high school.
Wooga Poplar Career Wins
Wooga Poplar’s career wins include notable achievements at the high school, college, and early professional levels. He led MCSCS to a Philadelphia Public League championship and a PIAA state title, helped Miami reach the program’s first Final Four in 2023, and earned All-Big East Third Team honors at Villanova in 2025.
College Highlights
At Miami, Poplar contributed to back-to-back deep NCAA tournament runs, including an Elite Eight appearance as a freshman and a Final Four trip in 2023. At Villanova, he led the Wildcats in rebounding and finished second on the team in scoring during his lone season in the Big East.
Other Wins & Performances
Poplar’s high school résumé includes a PIAA 2A Player of the Year award and a Philadelphia Public League title game MVP performance. His professional debut with the Chicago Bulls in summer league action marked another milestone in his young career.
Wooga Poplar Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Poplar’s immediate family is limited. He grew up in Philadelphia and rose through the city’s competitive basketball scene before earning national recognition as a recruit.
Personal Life
Poplar focuses much of his public profile on his basketball career. He is known by the nickname “Wooga,” which has followed him from high school through his professional transition.
2025 Season Performance
Poplar’s 2025 season was defined by his senior campaign at Villanova, where he averaged 15.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. He earned All-Big East Third Team recognition and delivered strong performances in the Big East tournament and Crown tournament, including a 32-point, 11-rebound outing against UCF.
Following the conclusion of his college season, Poplar declared for the 2025 NBA Draft and went undrafted. He then joined the Chicago Bulls for the 2025 NBA Summer League and signed an Exhibit 10 deal on July 6, 2025, providing a path to the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League.
As he begins his professional career with the Windy City Bulls, Poplar will look to translate his college production into consistent G League performances. His scoring ability, rebounding, and wing size offer a clear developmental path as he pursues an opportunity at the NBA level.