“It’s very important,” Ibaka said of his pre-game prayers, “because some people don’t have life. I have free life and so I just give thanks. I have come a long way.”
Serge Ibaka, an NBA rookie star, didn't always live the way he does now. Born in 1989, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, Ibaka grew up in the middle of the Second Congo War.
The war, which lasted from 1998-2003, was due to the takeover of the Transitional Government, and was the worst to have ever happened on African soil. In the short 5 years that it lasted, over 5.4 million people from 8 surrounding countries were killed. Ibaka recalls watching people die in the streets when he was just 9 years old.
Ibaka's mother died of natural causes when he was eight years old. Less than a year later, the outbreak of war completely changed his life. With havoc in every major city, most normal facets of life were in jeopardy. The family was forced to move north, to a small town that did not have electricity or running water. There was no school for Serge to attend, so spent his time practicing basketball.
His father, who had played nationally for the Congolese team, pushed him to get better, to give him a better chance in life. This turned out to be one of Ibaka's most significant memories. In 2002, his father was taken as a prisoner of war after returning to his job, which was in the enemy territory, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Serge (now 13), now had to take care of his elderly grandmother. His father was held captive for just over a year, until the war was over. Since Ibaka spent most of his time with a local basketball club, Avenir du Rial, was emerging as a phenom.
In 2006, he was selected to the U18 African Championships, where he played extremely well. Being named the MVP of the tournament in South Africa, Ibaka had proved himself as a top player in the world. At age 17, Ibaka took his talents to France, leaving behind his family, and the repercussions of the war. He did not know the new language, or any way of life other than the war-time, poverty stricken one he had endured.
After a short stint in France, he was traded to a team from Spain, where he played for two seasons. Ibaka showcased his talents for DKV Jovetut, and in 2008, was selected by the Seattle Supersonics as the 24th pick in the NBA draft.
The Sonics were moved to Oklahoma City just three days after the draft. As a "new team" in the league, it was perfect chance for a new face. Ibaka played two more seasons in Spain, and was signed to the Thunder this season.
Now, making a name for himself in the NBA, Serge Ibaka is recognized as a shot-blocking monster, and nicknamed "Air Congo". The team, for which he now starts, will be playing for an NBA Championship in the upcoming weeks.
If there is a story to truly explain the concept of Danger vs. Opportunity, it would be Ibaka's. Evading the dangers of war in Congo, he worked his way to the top. He found his opportunity through a game he loved, and now is living the good life. He returns to Congo each off-season, to give back to the people that helped him get to where he is today.
This is certaintly a great story about rising from the ashes. Ibaka used his most valuble talent, his basketball skills, and turned his life around. And now he's going to possibly play in the NBA finals.
This story is so inspirational. I love the concept but I think he kinda threw his family under the bus. Also, I like Kris Dunn, because he will be attending PROVIDENCE COLLEGE next fall. Congrats Ibak-ster!
Hi Mr.Walsh I'm happy to hear this story inspired you like it did to me. After overcoming so much and surviving the war in the Congo, I was simply fascinated by his will and determination to make it into the NBA.
“It’s very important,” Ibaka said of his pre-game prayers, “because some people don’t have life. I have free life and so I just give thanks. I have come a long way.”
ReplyDeleteSerge Ibaka, an NBA rookie star, didn't always live the way he does now. Born in 1989, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, Ibaka grew up in the middle of the Second Congo War.
The war, which lasted from 1998-2003, was due to the takeover of the Transitional Government, and was the worst to have ever happened on African soil. In the short 5 years that it lasted, over 5.4 million people from 8 surrounding countries were killed. Ibaka recalls watching people die in the streets when he was just 9 years old.
Ibaka's mother died of natural causes when he was eight years old. Less than a year later, the outbreak of war completely changed his life. With havoc in every major city, most normal facets of life were in jeopardy. The family was forced to move north, to a small town that did not have electricity or running water. There was no school for Serge to attend, so spent his time practicing basketball.
His father, who had played nationally for the Congolese team, pushed him to get better, to give him a better chance in life. This turned out to be one of Ibaka's most significant memories. In 2002, his father was taken as a prisoner of war after returning to his job, which was in the enemy territory, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Serge (now 13), now had to take care of his elderly grandmother. His father was held captive for just over a year, until the war was over. Since Ibaka spent most of his time with a local basketball club, Avenir du Rial, was emerging as a phenom.
In 2006, he was selected to the U18 African Championships, where he played extremely well. Being named the MVP of the tournament in South Africa, Ibaka had proved himself as a top player in the world. At age 17, Ibaka took his talents to France, leaving behind his family, and the repercussions of the war. He did not know the new language, or any way of life other than the war-time, poverty stricken one he had endured.
After a short stint in France, he was traded to a team from Spain, where he played for two seasons. Ibaka showcased his talents for DKV Jovetut, and in 2008, was selected by the Seattle Supersonics as the 24th pick in the NBA draft.
The Sonics were moved to Oklahoma City just three days after the draft. As a "new team" in the league, it was perfect chance for a new face. Ibaka played two more seasons in Spain, and was signed to the Thunder this season.
Now, making a name for himself in the NBA, Serge Ibaka is recognized as a shot-blocking monster, and nicknamed "Air Congo". The team, for which he now starts, will be playing for an NBA Championship in the upcoming weeks.
If there is a story to truly explain the concept of Danger vs. Opportunity, it would be Ibaka's. Evading the dangers of war in Congo, he worked his way to the top. He found his opportunity through a game he loved, and now is living the good life. He returns to Congo each off-season, to give back to the people that helped him get to where he is today.
This is certaintly a great story about rising from the ashes. Ibaka used his most valuble talent, his basketball skills, and turned his life around. And now he's going to possibly play in the NBA finals.
DeleteThis story is so inspirational. I love the concept but I think he kinda threw his family under the bus. Also, I like Kris Dunn, because he will be attending PROVIDENCE COLLEGE next fall. Congrats Ibak-ster!
ReplyDeleteHi Mr.Walsh I'm happy to hear this story inspired you like it did to me. After overcoming so much and surviving the war in the Congo, I was simply fascinated by his will and determination to make it into the NBA.
ReplyDelete