US Scholarship Offers Pour in for Young Nigerian Basketballer Following Encounter with Calabar Lawyer
Written by Jerry Alomatu on May 4, 2024
David Etim, a young Nigerian basketball player, has recently received three scholarship offers from the United States after being introduced to the sport by Faithfulness Okom, a lawyer from Calabar.
Okom shared his encounter with Etim, recalling that their meeting took place in 2021 while he was driving in Calabar. Impressed by Etim’s height, Okom decided to introduce him to basketball, believing his stature was suited for the sport.
According to Okom, Etim was not the only person he encouraged to pursue basketball due to their height. He had similarly convinced several others to join a basketball academy based on their physical attributes.
The lawyer, now residing in Spain, recounted his initiative, stating, “I was randomly driving one Saturday when I saw David. I’ve been passionate about basketball since watching the NBA in 2020. Seeing tall individuals not playing the sport bothered me.”
“I took them to the stadium, provided them with gear, and enrolled them in the academy. David stood out due to his height, and I decided to approach him. Thankfully, he was receptive to assistance, and the rest is history,” Okom added.
Describing the challenges Etim faced from his father regarding his newfound passion, Okom emphasized the difficulty in convincing the bricklayer father. Etim’s father relied on him for assistance with construction projects and household chores.
“Etim barely had free time as he assisted his father, who is a bricklayer, and also managed household tasks for three families,” Okom explained.
“Etim did not own a phone, so I described my location and instructed him to visit on a specific day. When he arrived, I showed him motivational videos and provided him with clothing, which his father later burned out of jealousy,” Okom continued.
Before departing abroad, Okom enrolled Etim in a local basketball academy run by Frank John. However, due to resistance from Etim’s father, Okom encouraged him to reside with his family for better focus.
Excited by Etim’s progress, Okom shared that Etim recently secured a trial at the NBA African Academy in Senegal and received scholarship offers from various American high schools.
“David informed me about his success in Senegal and mentioned visa concerns. I am thrilled for his achievements, seeing this as just the beginning,” Okom remarked.
Providing details about the scholarships, Okom confirmed that Etim received offers from Busche Academy New Hampshire, Episcopal High School Houston, and Life Christian High School Virginia.
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Author: Jerry Alomatu
Astute communicator
