I can never forget my Nigerian roots — Ogwumike

 

Born in Texas, Connecticut Sun power forward Chiney Ogwumike was in Nigeria recently to teach kids basketball skills. The 2014 WNBA Rookie of The Year tells ’TANA AIYEJINA about her passion to help develop basketball in Nigeria, the country of her parents

You were in Abuja recently to teach Nigerian kids the basic skills of basketball at the Power Forward Basketball Clinic. What was the experience like?

It was very busy but very productive and exciting. It’s something I have always looked forward to, using my experience as a basketball player to help others.

Was it easy teaching over 300 kids from 10 selected schools basketball?

Honestly, I’m so excited about the way everything went; the kids were great and very energetic. It’s so easy for them (kids) to play the game; they don’t want to waste a second. I think the youths were excited about having the opportunity to play basketball. It was a great experience for everyone.

What’s your impression about basketball in Nigeria?

I think the game is growing positively in Nigeria. Nigeria’s men and women’s national teams have played at the Olympic Games, which is a great achievement. It shows African countries can compete with the best in basketball globally.

What do you think are the challenges facing the country’s basketball?

I believe a major challenge in Nigerian basketball is sponsorship. We need to increase the number of sponsors and give kids the access to get involved in the sports they want to play. Sports can help turn kids to breadwinners of their families, it can be a job, and it provides life and leadership skills. For me, sports is a win-win situation.

Just like in other sports, much attention is given to men’s basketball than the women’s game in Nigeria. What do you think about this?

For those who haven’t watched a female basketball game, they should please do that. They will see beautiful basketball. I want to see you have your daughter play basketball.

Apart from basketball clinics, what other ways do you think you can help Nigerian basketball in the future?

Whether I come back to Nigeria as a volunteer coach or go back to school, I will always do whatever I can to help Nigerian and African basketball. I also plan to use my International Relations degree to help as well.

Having played at U-18 and U-19 levels for the United States, do you intend to play for Nigeria at senior level?

Even though a lot of people question whether I will play for Nigeria or not, I still remain who I am and I’m trying to help the game in Africa. I was born in the US and learnt how to play basketball in the US. Basketball gave me the opportunity to be selected for the WNBA. I believe my life would have been different if I didn’t play basketball. And hopefully, I’m going to use my basketball experience to promote basketball.

In your heart, do you feel Nigerian or American?

I’m Nigerian-American. That’s what I tell people when they ask me where I come from. I was born and raised in the United States but I come to Nigeria regularly. I’m Nigerian like everyone else, just that my story is different.

African sportsmen and women have often been racially abused while playing abroad. Have you been a victim too?

Growing up in the US and being surrounded by people of Nigerian descent was very nice. My parents taught me values and skills. They told me that no matter what I did, I must give it my best. Basketball has given me that opportunity and it can also open such opportunities for others. But you have to let your opportunities count.

How would you describe your experience in the WNBA?

Honestly, it’s the most rewarding experience. The WNBA is the best of the best; it’s the coming together of an international group of women. I have a lot of confidence now because I know I can compete with the best in the world.

Can you recall how you started playing basketball?

Truly, I never really knew what to do initially. I wanted to become a doctor at some point but later I dropped the idea. I didn’t know about basketball in the beginning. But when I became interested, I got better and better but my academics always came first.

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Combining sports and education is a difficult task for some sportsmen and women. How were you able to cope?

If you look at sports, athletes make so much money playing and don’t bother about education. You can only play basketball for between 10 to 15 years, but you can live up to 80 years or more. How can you live comfortably at that age without education? If you get a good job after retirement, you can live the best of life and help your family and friends. For me, it hasn’t been a problem combining sports and education.

Who is your role model basketball player?

It’s Lisa Leslie, a three-time WNBA MVP and a four-time Olympic gold medallist. She played the game and got to the height of basketball. She is a strong and humble woman. Since she retired, she has been a great mother and successfully runs her own business.

Have you done any crazy thing on the court while playing?

(Laughs) I do slide on my knees when I make a basket. It needs a lot of energy and I get excited when I do it.

What are your best and worst moments as a basketball player?

I have so many good moments but my best was when I was drafted in the WNBA with my sister, Nneka, who plays for Los Angeles Sparks. It’s a moment I will never forget; it was simply unbelievable. My worst would be probably not winning the championship yet.