“Mum left when I was four, dad abandoned me” – 15-year-old US-bound basketballer 

Fifteen-year-old basketballer, David Etim, recently bagged three scholarships with three United States-based colleges because of his impressive basketball skills at the National Basketball Association Africa tryouts in Senegal after being scouted by a lawyer, Faithfulness Okom, on the streets of Calabar in 2021. He tells GODFREY GEORGE about his progress so far, how fulfilled he is, and his ultimate goal

Did you grow up in Calabar, Cross Rivers State?

My name is David Monday Etim. I am from Ikot Ukpong village of the Obot Akara Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State. I will be 16 years old this December, and  I am the only child of my parents. Yes, I grew up in Calabar.

How tall are you?

I’m six feet and nine inches tall.

Are all your family members as tall as you are?

Well, my dad is quite tall. As I said, I don’t have any other siblings. I’m the only child of my parents. So, yes, I’d say we are tall in the family.

Have you always loved putting the ball in the hoop?

Playing basketball has been my life since the day my guardian, Mr Faithfulness Okom, and his family first introduced basketball to me right after he picked me off the street. Since then, I have not had any other love but basketball.

Before Okom, did you know you could play basketball especially because of your height advantage?

Before I met my legal guardian, Mr Faithfulness Okom, and his family, I really didn’t know I could play. I have had a few people mention it, but Mr Okom made me believe in myself and I am so glad I did.

How did you feel the day Mr Okom approached you, asking you to come to his home?

It was a life-changing moment for me, as it had always been my prayer to God to find me a helper who would take me off the streets. Mr Okom was God-sent, and I am glad he opened up his arms to receive, guide, and support me.

Did you tell your parents about it?

Before now, my dad had already sent me out of the house. At the moment, he has stopped taking care of me and would have nothing to do with me.  Even when I tried to visit him to tell him about my progress, he pushed me out of the house.

Why do you think he did that?

I don’t know why. The truth is that my dad and I have never been on talking terms. He had already sent me out of the house and said he didn’t want to have anything to do with me ever again. I don’t know why.

We learnt your father is a bricklayer. Why do you think he is antagonistic to you playing the game?

Yeah, my father is indeed a bricklayer in Calabar. That’s what he does for a living. I think it’s because he is unaware of what the game of basketball can do for me. I really do not know.

Where is your mother?

I have never seen my mother or any of my dad’s family since I was born. I had asked my dad countless times and he has refused to tell me anything about them. I am just hoping and praying that someday, I will take it upon myself to find my mother and anyone relating to my dad.

So, your mother does not know you play basketball?

My mother left when I was four years old. That was what I was told. I have no knowledge of her whereabouts to date. I am not sure she knows I now play basketball for a living.

What class in school were you before you left Nigeria for Senegal?

I was in Junior Secondary School 3 when I left Nigeria for Senegal.

What was the experience like in Nigeria before moving to Senegal for the NBA tryout?

Well, every journey has been God all the way. My guardians  (the Okom family) have been there for me as well. As for basketball, they have been there for me. Right from registering me with a personal, Mr Frank John, who has been a great mentor and coach to me, down to my tryout in Senegal.

Mr John has been the next great family after my guardians. Through these men and women, the journey that would have seemed so tough was made easy. However, if I am being honest, some days, weeks, and even months, it gets so difficult for me. But with God and all these great individuals, I have been able to scale through to this point.

How did you feel to be picked amongst the rest as one of the best?

For me to be picked, I would say it’s God, my work ethic, the people behind me, and my personal beliefs.

Did you see the US scholarships coming?

Well at first glance, I didn’t, but my work ethic and belief system have always given me the impression that I am aiming for the stars. My coach as well and the people behind me have also encouraged me to prepare for opportunities like this.

Last year, I had over three different schools in the US that offered me scholarships but I didn’t make it because of the denial of my visa at the embassy.

How did you welcome the news of the scholarships?

In all honesty, it’s been joy, happiness, and praise to God.

Have you reached out to your father back at home to tell him about your scholarships?

Not yet, but I will do so when I get to Nigeria and I will let you know.

What’s the ultimate goal for you in this game?

My prayers have always been to play in the highest league of them all – the NBA, build a foundation, where we can support kids with stories like mine, and hope to be a coach, mentor, and ambassador of the game.

What’s your advice to young boys like you who think dreams don’t come true?

My advice has been and will always be that they stay focused, work right, surround themselves with the right people, and put God first in all they do.

Punch