They say talent and passion can place you before kings. A few years ago, nobody imagined that Africans could have a place in the “Western” sports, particularly basketball. But more and more African-born basketball players have continued to break the glass ceiling despite their unpleasant backgrounds and long odds.
Many have found their success in the United States and have gone on to become top players in the prestigious National Basketball Association (NBA) league. Here are some of the African-born basketball players in the U.S. who made us proud in 2017.
Bismack Biyombo Sumba, Democratic Republic of Congo
Born in August 1992 in Lubumbashi, DR Congo, Bismack Biyombo Sumba is a professional basketball player currently playing for Orlando Magic in the U.S. Biyombo, who plays as a center and power forward, was in 2011 selected with the 7th overall pick National Basketball Association draft by the Sacramento Kings and went on to sign a $72 million contract with the Orlando Magic in 2016.
Luc Mbah a Moute, Cameroon
Luc Mbah a Moute is a decorated American basketball player currently playing for Houston Rockets of the NBA. This 31-year-old small forward, who was born and raised in the Cameroonian capital Yaounde, also plays for the Cameroon national basketball team. Before joining the Rockets, Moute had played for several other top American clubs including Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers.
Festus Ezeli, Nigeria
Known to his family members as the “unusual child”, Festus Ezeli was born in Benin City, Nigeria in 1989. After his high school education, his parents sent him to Yuba City in America to pursue his dream of becoming a physician. But his American-based uncle encouraged him to try basketball, which was the perfect sport for his height. Today, Ezeli plays for Golden State Warriors, with whom he won an NBA Championship in 2015.
Mouhamed Sene, Senegal
Born and raised in Thies, Senegal, 31-year-old Mouhamed Sene is a professional basketball player whose career history spans over ten years. Although he is now a free agent, Sene has played for top American teams, including Idaho Stampede, New York Knicks, and Austin Spurs. He has also been playing for the Senegal national basketball team since 2013.
Luol Ajou Deng, South Sudan
Luol Ajou Deng, who was born in Wau, South Sudan, in 1985, is currently a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. In 2013, the two-time NBA All-Star was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and was part of an NBA All-Rookie First Team with the Chicago Bulls in 2004. The 6 feet and 9 inches tall player has also played for other top American teams, such as Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Thon Maker, South Sudan
Known to his fans as “The Big Man”, Thon Maker was born in Wau, South Sudan, in 1997. He later moved to Australia as a refugee where he started playing basketball for Canada’s Athlete Institute. After high school, Maker was considered a 5-star recruit by many international basketball recruiting agencies. The 7 feet 1 inch tall player is currently playing as power forward and center for Milwaukee Bucks.
BY: FREDRICK NGUGI
SOURCE