African Sports Blog caught up with San Antonio Spurs and Nigerian Basketball forward Ime Udoka recently. We asked Ime a number of questions to get a feel for the Oregonian on and off the basketball court. Check out the bonus mini-interview with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich at the end of Ime's interview.
A.S:When did you start focusing on Basketball while growing up?
Ime:Probably about 8,9,10 years old. I think I played everything but I kind of fell in love with Basketball while watching Clyde Drexler and some of those guys(Portland TrailBlazers).
A.S: What other Sports did you play?
Ime: Football, Baseball. I grew up playing Baseball but I started playing Basketball after watching the Blazers while growing up in Portland. I played a bit of everything, did a lot of stuff but Basketball is the one I fell in love with.
A.S:How was the support from your parents when you started getting serious with Sports?
Ime: I was basically following in the footsteps of my brother and so was my sister. They played high school, college ball and my sister in the WNBA, so my parents encouraged us from a young age.
A.S:What were your feelings, your emotions like after you left Portland to sign with San Antonio in 2007?
Ime: I understood there was a business side to it. Portland felt they had to develop some of the younger guys and see what they had with them but at the same time I did want to stay but there was a team out there that I could strengthen as well.
A.S:What are your thoughts on your time with the Spurs so far?
Ime:Great last year, you know getting to the Western Conference Finals, established myself a little bit. I was able to contribute but this year has been a little more up and down, playing time-wise and a little inconsistent. I know it just takes one game and I can be where I was last year so that's my focus going into the playoffs.
A.S:What were your impressions of the Nigerian team, the entire set-up as well as the team's performance after the 2006 FIBA World Championships?
Ime:Well Sam Vincent is a good friend of mine and coached me in the D-League and then he coached my sister at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. His experience is great and then he led us to our best result at the tournament(2006 FIBA Worlds). The team was good and so were the young guys we had. The organization was not the best-professionally but if they can take care of that we can have the best team in Africa.
A.S:How many times have you been to Nigeria?
Ime:Twice. I've only been to Abuja really and I've flown out of Port-Harcourt but I love it. I love seeing my roots and where my people come from and being out there with them. I hear Lagos is wild and some other places but I haven't had the chance to experience it much but the time I did spend in Nigeria I loved it.
A.S:Where's your Dad from in Nigeria?
Ime:Akwa-Ibom
A.S: Your Nigerian national team-mate Gabe Muoneke spoke in the past about your love for Fufu, what's your favourite Nigerian meal?
Ime:Yeah my father used to love cooking that. I'm not a spicy eater so I don't like Pepper soup but egusi, edikaikong, pounded yam, I love all that.
A.S: Favourite Nigerian Saying?
Ime: I've learnt some pidgin English, my favourite would have to be "you dey craze". I can't speak it well but I can understand it.
A.S: What happened after the 3rd place game in the 2005 African Basketball Championship? Gabe gave us some info as to what happened, he basically called it your Gladiator moment due to the way you dispatched the Algerian's trying to brawl with you. What's your side of the story?
Ime:It was us against the crowd. Something we're not really proud of but you know we basically had to fight our way out of there and have each others backs.It was an ugly situation.
A.S:Favourite sport other than Basketball?
Ime:I played Football and loved playing it but I'm a big Boxing fan. I used to be a big Lennox Lewis fan but now I root for Samuel Peters.
A.S:Favourite athlete outside of Basketball?
Ime:Lennox, the way he took care of the mental as well as the physical side of Boxing. I like the top guys in all sports, the way they dealt with their aspirations to be the best in their sport.
A.S:Favourite Basketball player of all time?
Ime:I love Clyde(Drexler), that's the reason I started playing the game. I'm a different sort of player than him but he's the reason I started playing.
A.S:What advice would you give to the young kids trying to make it to the league like you did?
Ime:Stick to your dreams. I'm a prime example of determination, discipline and doing everything you can do to get to where you want to be. Don't let anyone tell you no.
Bonus "Mini-interview"
San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich
A.S: What are your thoughts on Ime's performances from last season to this current season?
Pop: Ime is highly respected for his leadership and knowledge of the game He is always ready when called upon to get on the court. He hasn't gotten as many minutes this season when compared to last but he is always ready and is a true professional.
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