AGINALDO Neto and his NBA Academy teammates closed out practice with a free throw drill. When a couple of players missed their shots, the entire team had to sprint the length of the court. Of course, the budding prospects must complete their sprints within seconds and under the watchful eye of coach Alfred Aboya, who keeps count.
After a few more misses, they again have to sprint, this time, to the half-court, back to the baseline and then the length of the court. Much to the relief of some tired players, some already hunched over with their hands on their knees, South Sudanese centre Khaman Maluach scores the free throw to end the Friday practice at the Mandeville Sports Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Neto, who spoke to The Big Tip Off ahead of the Academy’s Road To BAL Elite 16 Division East participation (21 November – 26 November), says this is the norm in their practices.
“This is something we are used to – running after we miss shots, no matter who is watching, this is what we do,” said Angolan-born Neto.
The 17-year-old point guard joined the Senegal-based Academy after last year’s FIBA U18 African Championships in Madagascar. Neto feels privileged to be part of the Academy setup and says he was undaunted when he left home to chase his basketball dreams.
“It was an easy process (joining the NBA Academy) because I lived in an academy before I left Angola. I always call my family on weekends. I talk about my experiences, and we share jokes. It’s been easy because I have support from my family and the Academy,” said Neto.
“I am feeling blessed to have (joined the Academy). It shows that hard work pays off. If I did not work hard, I would not be here. I feel like I am one of the best point guards on the continent. I also have the best teammates in Africa and the world.”
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The Academy players are playing in the Elite 16 to showcase their talents for the 12 teams playing in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) next year. According to Neto, who was part of last year’s Academy exhibition team, there is much to play for at the Ellis Park Arena.
“We always want to win even if we are here to participate. This mindset never changes. We are here for business,” said the floor general. “Some of our alumni, Ruben (Chinyelo) and Thierry (Darlan) played in this competition. We learnt from their experience and we want to put on a show.”
The young prodigy also reflected on representing Angola at the junior continental competition in Madagascar last year.
“It was a great experience. I was one of the youngest players at 16 and playing against 18-year-olds. Also, everyone is here to support you, from the federation, coaches and teammates,” said Neto, who averaged 4.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in the island nation.
His present situation in West Africa is a stepping stone to opportunities. Neto also walks on the shoulders of giants in his home country of Angola.
The golden generation of Carlos Morais and Kikas Gomes, who won multiple AfroBasket titles, are an inspiration to Neto. While the duo spent most of their careers in Angola, Neto on the other hand has cast his vision beyond the shores of his country of birth.
“I dream of being one of them and more. My desire is to play overseas, in the NBA or take my talents as far as possible. I want to be greater than them,” said Neto. “They inspired me when I started playing. I used to watch how Carlos Morais executed his pull-up jumpers and how he drove to the rim. Kikas Gomes is a great centre.
“They inspired me to work hard. Because of them and many others, we have 11 Afrobasket championships in Angola.”
Since their last AfroBasket title in 2013, Angola has experienced some lean years, but Neto feels he will be part of the generation that turns the corner.
“We want to be better. I believe my generation has a lot of talent and people should look out for us. We will work hard to reclaim our place on the continent,” concluded Neto.
