Kelvin Amayo, a Nigerian-Canadian basketball player, reflects on his journey from college basketball in the US to becoming a professional player and his aspirations to represent Nigeria on the international stage. His recent victory in the Nigerian NBBF title with the Rivers Hoopers, following their participation in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), marks a significant milestone in his career. Amayo expresses immense pride in being part of the Hoopers’ success, emphasizing the team’s collective effort and the challenging competition they faced en route to the championship, particularly the intense semi-final match that secured their BAL ticket. He acknowledges the crucial roles played by his teammates and Coach Ogoh, highlighting the coach’s strategic prowess and their strong coach-player chemistry.
Amayo’s connection to Nigeria, despite growing up in Canada and developing his basketball skills in the US, is deeply rooted in his family heritage. While his knowledge of Nigeria might be limited, his parents and extended family maintain strong ties to their Benin roots. This connection fuels his desire to explore Nigeria and further connect with his heritage. Amayo’s basketball journey has taken him across continents, from college basketball in the US to playing professionally in various countries, including Iran and Georgia. He identifies his time playing in Nigeria as a testament to his dedication and hard work, bringing him closer to his long-held dream of representing the Nigerian national team.
The decision to join Rivers Hoopers was driven by several factors, primarily the opportunity to play for a Nigerian team competing in the BAL. The team’s success in the BAL, combined with the persuasive efforts of Coach Ogoh, the GM, and the media officer, solidified his decision. Amayo acknowledges the influence of his former teammate, Will Perry, in his choice, recognizing the Hoopers as the perfect environment to further his career. He believes his style of play and temperament align perfectly with the team’s philosophy, contributing to their collective success and accolades, including Coach Ogoh’s Coach of the Year award. Amayo emphasizes the significance of playing in Nigeria, recognizing the impact it has on his family and the inspiration it provides to young Nigerian basketball players.
Representing Nigeria in international competitions, including the Olympics, is a driving force for Amayo. He believes showcasing Nigeria’s basketball talent on the global stage would be a significant achievement, and his current position with Rivers Hoopers brings him closer to realizing this dream. He is eager to contribute his skills and experience to the national team, aiming to participate in AfroBasket, the World Cup, and ultimately, the Olympics. Amayo’s college basketball experience, marked by both successes and challenges, played a crucial role in shaping his career. He values the opportunity to have received full scholarships to Towson University and Loyola Marymount, recognizing the importance of academics alongside sports. While injuries posed setbacks during his college years, he views them as valuable learning experiences that prepared him for the demands of professional basketball.
Despite not being drafted into the NBA, Amayo remained undeterred, focusing on improving his physique and skills. He shifted his focus from solely pursuing the NBA to embracing opportunities wherever they arose, demonstrating a resilient and determined mindset. His experiences playing in Georgia and Iran further honed his abilities and broadened his perspective on the global basketball landscape. His time in Georgia provided valuable rehabilitation and training opportunities, allowing him to recover from injuries and elevate his game. In Iran, he achieved significant success, earning the league MVP title in his first year and consistently showcasing his scoring prowess, solidifying his reputation as a formidable player.
The BAL holds a special place in Amayo’s career, providing a platform to showcase his skills on a prestigious stage. He values the camaraderie and teamwork within both Rivers Hoopers and Stade Malien, acknowledging the collective effort that contributed to their bronze medal finishes. Amayo anticipates the upcoming BAL season with excitement, confident in his continued growth and development. While acknowledging the heightened expectations following their Nigerian Championship win, he believes Rivers Hoopers has the potential to contend for the BAL title. He emphasizes the importance of player development and the distribution of responsibility among the team, reducing reliance on individual players to carry the burden. Amayo’s vision extends beyond his personal aspirations, encompassing a desire to contribute to the growth of Nigerian basketball. He is actively involved in initiatives aimed at facilitating opportunities for young Nigerian athletes to pursue basketball opportunities in the US, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
