A recent trip across Africa revealed an amazing shocker! An incredible growing interest in basketball from an American standpoint! Hundreds of towering kids within the age range of 13-16 gathered at an annual basketball classic in Nigeria recently to showcase newly learnt skills with some replicating impressive post moves of such greats as Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, Yao Ming and Tim Duncan.’
For these kids, most of whom burn with an unbelievable zeal for American education, athletics scholarships to some of the best U.S high schools or colleges possibly may seem in the offing. “Playing hoops keeps me off the streets and helps me stay focused,” says 16-year old Chuwusomaga, a 6 foot 10 center from Enugu, Nigeria’s southeast while attempting a one-handed reverse dunk inside the paint. Typically of most African kids, Chukwusomaga whose dream is to play college basketball under legendary Coach K at Duke and get drafted to the NBA inside the first round, exuded a grateful excitement when offered useful tips on making easy baskets while guarded by two defensive players with footwork he termed ‘Incredible’ and ‘Alien to Africa.’
- Day out with the Sentinels of Africa - September 30, 2013
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