Dunking his way to stardom
Setting out: I got into basketball by following my elder sister to the basketball court in our neighbourhood. Although she did not continue to take me there, I developed interest and continued from where she stopped. I was inspired because I enjoyed the game and I was improving on daily basis. It was not hard […]
Setting out: I got into basketball by following my elder sister to the basketball court in our neighbourhood. Although she did not continue to take me there, I developed interest and continued from where she stopped. I was inspired because I enjoyed the game and I was improving on daily basis. It was not hard for me to know that I have a future in the game.
First club: Unlike many other youths, I was privileged to start with a basketball academy known as Zinix. That’s where I got the rudimentary skills in basketball. We were taught the basics by some of the best coaches around. I still find some of the tips really useful even at this level.
Biggest influence: Without any hesitation, I give this to coach Sani “Goga” Turi. He has contributed immensely to my success story. Most athletes fail because they never had someone to take special interest in developing their talents. I am seriously indebted to “Goga” for making me who am I so far.
International career: I was selected for the national U-16 team in 2006 at the Milo Secondary Schools basketball championship. I was part of the team that won that year’s championship. In 2008 I represented Nigeria in Benin Republic where we qualified for the 2009 FIBA Africa Championship in Mozambique, Maputo. Recently, I represented Nigeria at the 2010 FIBA Africa Championship in Rwanda, Kigali.
Area of strength: For me playing good basketball is playing great defence and shooting very well. My area of strength is shooting. I make baskets from long distances. Whenever I play great defence and win convincingly, I feel really good.
Low moments: My low moments come mostly when I lose a match. It is not just every match but the ones my team played well but lost in the end. No serious athlete likes defeat and I am not an exception. I like to win at all times.
Ambition: I have taken to basketball as a career and I hope to combine it effectively with my studies. As I play the game, I will continue with my studies. When I am done with playing basketball maybe as a result of age or injury, I should have something to fall back on. I have seen others live miserable lives because they did not plan for the future. But my number one concern for now is to excel in the game of basketball and I am surely on track. I am going to use basketball as a tool for success in life
First money in basketball: Hmmmmmmmmmm The first money I made from playing basketball, I bought a wrapper for my mum. She is so special to me and she deserves the best at all times. Apart from her, I bought wears for my siblings. Of course, charity they say must start at home so I took care of myself before any other person.
Favourite club in the NBA: This is not difficult to decide because I have always been a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. And if I am to choose a club in the NBA, I will certainly like to play for L.A Lakers because they have produced great players and I like their winning mentality. They have won a lot of trophies.
Food: I enjoy eating rice, beans and beef.
Car: Well, I don’t know much about cars but I think I would not mind a Toyota Sequilla and Honda Pilot. I like the two brands.
Music: I will definitely pick hip hop ahead of the rest. But this is not to say I do not have a soft spot for reggae and blues once in a while.
Footwear: I want to be famous and so I go with either Nike or Reebok. I feel comfortable in them. The brands give me a lot of inspiration because they are patronized by some of the world’s best basketball players.
Relaxation: I normally relax by watching movies, swimming and reading.