Why I delayed investment in Nigerian basketball – Olajuwon

How can you describe today’s event, considering that it is the first embarked upon by you in Nigeria since becoming a global basketball star?This is actually a dream come true for me, and an opportunity for all of us. Basketball was introduced to my school and I got the opportunity to go to school in […]

How can you describe today’s event, considering that it is the first embarked upon by you in Nigeria since becoming a global basketball star?
This is actually a dream come true for me, and an opportunity for all of us. Basketball was introduced to my school and I got the opportunity to go to school in the United States of America (USA) under the basketball scholarship 
Can you share your experience with us, working with some of the top stars in the NBA like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and others?
It was joy working with them, these are great players in their own positions and for them to come down to me and spend hours, it was joy for me working with them because they are breaking it down and then the moves, and with their talents, it was incredible and I really enjoyed that relationship.
I actually noticed that after LeBron worked with you the first move became better and I began to wonder where he got the magic, is that one a plus to you.
Well, when you have that kind of credentials for players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant coming down, and these are the best in their positions, and it still adds value to their game and career, then it is something that is special, it is a joy for me working with them.
What is the benefit of this project?
Well, this is s great opportunity that the leadership of the NBA Africa, and this is a dream for me really, thinking of NBA coming down to Africa to establish and develop basketball. We are the beneficiaries; the young kids that have those potentials are the beneficiaries, not only to play as professionals, but to have the opportunity of going to college under the basketball scholarship, or just develop a skill.
Experience has shown that over time projects like this hardly survive, so plans are you putting on the ground to ensure that this project does not go the way of similar ones before it?
Well, I am very impressed with your question because it is good one. When you look at the institutions that are involved, NBA Africa, Africare and ExxonMobil, these are institutions with a vision and when you deal with institutions it is easier to sustain, and they are committed to move forward.
In the next five or 10 years from now, where do you expect this project to be?
This is a pilot project and we could see that it gets the support and makes the impact. I commend the NBA Africa vision to take 10 schools for the project Basketball is something that can convince people a lot, and this is something that can make basketball the second sport in Africa order than soccer.
Despite your achievements at global level, one hardly feels your impact at home; I think this is the first time you are coming home to do something like this. So, why is it that you hardly come here to carry out this kind of projects?
I needed partnership at  institutional to make such an impact and sustain it over the years like you said, and not just to come and do something that is not up to the standard. So you need a corporate sponsor like EXXON Mobil and NBA Africa so that everybody will play his role to make it happen.
So, I am very happy that it is happening now, and it is an opportunity to really make that impact now.
I was one of the beneficiaries because basketball was introduced to my school to give me the opportunity to go to the United States of America. So it is something that is very nice to do and we are going to do it right.
What do the kids stand to gain in this whole programmes?
They should know that basketball is just an opportunity to become professionals or a vehicle for them to become professionals in any field to their own benefits.
Any regrets? Are there some of the things that you wanted to achieve in your career that you were not able to achieve?
No regret, I have even over-achieved, so no regret, now am to establish something like this for others to benefit. So, I am moving forward, no regrets.