“A couple of spin moves and an elbow to my jaw, quickly put me in my place”
I used to dream of being a Protea cricketer alongside Makhaya Ntini and Graeme Smith. Basketball had never even crossed my mind until I trialled for it in grade 8. It’s comical to think that the game has become such a large part of my life when I did not even get selected for a team at the trials, but since that experience, I have been hooked. I put a hoop up in my driveway and stayed glued to ESPN (when DSTV still had channel 230), studying NBA highlights and re-enacting them on the driveway. Since those days the game has gifted me constant challenges, experiences, life lessons, teammates that turned into brothers, and important figures in my life. It has and will continue to be a constant in my life.
Finding my feet
Thankfully after my grade 8 trials, I found my feet and the love for the game through a welcomed growth spurt and grooming from two of my first great coaches, Chris Kaniki and Mpumi Ramatsoga. I enjoyed my high school career. Pure love for the game and brotherhood in the team fuelled my passion and made my decision to continue playing after I matriculated, a no-brainer.
School of hard knocks
I played my university basketball at UP-Tuks. I joined the team in 2013, which can only be described as an overwhelming experience. I was a rookie in a team filled with accomplished and experienced players; Tichifara Mabiza, Dumisani Moyo, Kevin Manganye and coached by South African basketball legend, Neo Mothiba. I was humbled as a cocky high school player very early in my university career; a couple of baseline spin moves by Kagiso Ngoetjana and an elbow to the jaw by Mlungisi Long Shongwe quickly put me in my place and made me realise the work I still needed to do.
A few years down the line and a few injuries behind me, I can say I enjoyed my varsity career. I played five USSA tournaments, two Varsity Basketball tournaments (finals appearance in 2019), won a bronze medal at the 2016 CUCSA Games in Bulawayo and a gold medal in the 2018 CUCSA Games in Gaborone.
I walk away from UP-Tuks having been moulded by phenomenal leaders and coaches; Tich Mabiza, Neo Mothiba, Danny Molothane and George Makena, who played significant roles in my growth as a player and young man.
My Journey into the BNL
Andile Hlophe came up to me after a Friday Night Lights game at Wits and told me to come and trial for the Mpumalanga Rhinos, which eventually led to my debut in the Basketball National League (BNL). It was again another humbling experience but Andile showed consistent faith in me and this confidence in me, helped to elevate my game.
The following year I signed with three-time BNL champions, Tshwane Suns, a team I had been following since the inception of the league in 2013. I was honoured to wear the same kit once worn by Neo Mothiba, Allen Danga, Tich Mabiza, Larry Jackson and Mlungisi Shongwe; men I saw as absolute basketball warriors. I played a minute role in the 2017 BNL championship, but it taught me so much about a winning culture and how much it takes to win at that level. These are lessons I will put to good use in the coming years. I do feel as if my professional career is yet to explode and that my best basketball is yet to come. With new opportunities such as the Basketball Africa League (BAL) coming about, I hope to peak at the right time.
Stepping out of my comfort zone
I have missed the game during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has understandably had to take a backseat. Also, more emphasis has been placed on social injustices (#BlackLivesMatter and gender-based violence) happening locally and abroad. I am realising more and more my privileged position in society. As a white male, I socially start every game, up 20 points. I can’t pretend to fully understand what those affected by these injustices go through. I may not have any immediate solutions to the injustices. However, I am opening my eyes, being more aware and learning from those that experience the injustices. I am listening to those who are providing possible solutions so that I can play my part. I would suggest that anyone who holds a position similar to mine does the same. Let us have the uncomfortable conversations and let us not hide in our comfort and privilege.
To sum up my basketball journey; my best days are ahead of me, my best game is ahead of me, my best season is ahead of me, and I want to share the platform.
