LOS ANGELES (FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women 2016) - Sequoia Holmes has become a household in African basketball in recent years, and it came as no surprise that the American was named MVP of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women early this month.

The 30-year-old sparked InterClube de Luanda to their fifth continental trophy in six years following a 67-49 triumph over hosts Ferroviario de Maputo.

"I just try to go out there and give 100 percent every time I'm on the floor and if MVP is the result I can walk away with a plus," - Holmes

Holmes was an all-around player, igniting the African champions with 11.3 points and a team-high 2.9 assists per game.

Having won a FIBA ACCW in 2014, the former WNBA star felt it was about time to give InterClube a chance to regain dominance of African basketball.

The 1.78m guard has talked with FIBA.com from Los Angeles.

FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women 2016 All-Tournament team, from left to right: Mireille Muganza, Leia Dongue, Sequoia Holmes, Italee Lucas and Anabela Cossa.

FIBA.com: You have played in some competitive leagues around the world - including the WNBA -, how has the transition to the Angolan league worked for you?

Holmes: The transition to the Angolan league was not too difficult for me, basketball is basketball all around the world. The biggest thing for me is getting used to the physicality of their game.

FIBA.com: This is your 3rd season with InterClube de Luanda. You have helped them win two FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women. Can you share with us your experiences about the competition?

Holmes: Being able to win a championship is always a blessing. It's always emotional when all the hard work you put in pays off. I believe all the teams were more difficult as opponents but we set a goal after the bad showing we had last year to make it back and show our best.

FIBA.com Have you ever dreamed of travelling across Africa to playing professional basketball?

Holmes: No, I had no clue that there was even as many leagues in Africa.

Sequoia Holmes was named MVP of FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women 2016

FIBA.com: How significant is the MVP award of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2016 for your career?

Holmes: Winning an award like MVP for me it is only a validation of the work I put in. It's the one that every player wants individually, but at the end of the day, it's also a team award I couldn't have gotten it without my team's help. I just try to go out there and give 100 percent every time I'm on the floor and if MVP is the result I can walk away with a plus.

FIBA.com: What was the key moment for InterClube’s win in Maputo? Was it team chemistry, experience or InterClube simply had the most talented team in the competition?

Holmes: I'd say what helped us most was coming out from the tip and pushing the gas full force and never looking back it was a combination of all those things. This team has been together for awhile and we have pushed each other and built confidence to win.

Italee Lucas and Sequoia Homes have been pivotal for InterClube de Luanda

FIBA.com: Both You and Italee Lucas have been key for InterClube’s success. Some even argue that you two have become the present and future of Angolan women’s basketball. What do you make of that?

Holmes: I'd say thank you for the compliment. They hit the nail right on the head, Italee is a huge talent and for me, I'm just happy I could come to Africa and share my talent and love for the game.

FIBA.com: Would you consider representing Angola on the international stage if guaranteed citizenship? Have you ever thought about it.?

Holmes: Yes, I have thought about it, Italee and I have built a good chemistry on and off the court and she has me about it. So yes, if asked I would definitely consider that.

FIBA