Q&A with Nia Clouden: AWBL experience, prospect of playing for Rwanda

 

ALEXANDRIA (Egypt) - Los Angeles Sparks' Nia Clouden is settling down well in the African Women's Basketball League (AWBL) ongoing in Alexandria, Egypt.

The 23-year-old 12th first-round pick in the 2022 WNBA draft agreed to a short-term deal with Rwanda Energy Group (REG) for the African competition and has already helped the side win three matches.

She featured for 27.32 minutes in the opening match against Overdose Up Station, a match REG won 86-45, scoring 9 while giving 8 assists. 

In the 96-89 win over Angola's Inter Clube, she scored 16 in 34 minutes and was on the floor for 33.43 minutes against Equity Bank in the third match scoring 15. 

Nia Clouden is seen here playing for Polish side AZS UMCS Lublin in the 2022-23 EuroCup Season

FIBA.basketball caught up with the former Connecticut Sun guard for a chat; 

How has your AWBL experience been for you?

It has been a good tournament so far. I am really proud of my team, we have been coming out and playing hard and we are happy with the progress. Playing here is different from playing in America so I am still getting used to it and I will keep learning and getting better. 

What are some of the adjustments you've had to make to fit into the AWBL? 

I had to learn how they play here. It is much more physical and players can get away with some pushing and stuff like that. Being able to handle this has been the main change.

With a 3-0 run and having seen the level of competition so far, what could be a positive result for REG?

Our goal is to win the whole thing so we just want to take it game by game and, so far we have been able to do that and have won three in a row. We will keep the same positive mindset headling to each game, focus on the match and each quarter. 

Who are your top player picks in the AWBL action so far? 

Our game against Inter Clube was the most competitive of the three matches so far, they are a good team. Lucas Italee was really good and was physical with me and that was good to have to defend her. They also have some post players who are good and caused us problems, especially on rebounding. 

What are the lessons from your first-time experience playing in Africa?

The different rules used for FIBA and NBA competitions have been a good experience as well as the physicality in the game. 

Did you need some convincing to come play in Africa for the first time? 

No. I was just coming off an injury sustained towards the end of the WNBA season and I have been working out since but I felt I wasn't ready to get back on the big stage. 

This tournament came at the right time as I needed to get some game time before getting back for the season and this has been a perfect experience that is helping me get back. 

 

Away from the AWBL, would you consider Rwandese citizenship and play for the national team if that opportunity was there? 

Yes, there is already a conversation going on about that. It would be an honour to represent the country.  

How was the experience of your first time in Rwanda away from the court?

I was there for two weeks before coming to Egypt and I did a bit of sightseeing. It is a beautiful country. My favourite thing was how mountainous the place is and how beautiful it looks under the night lights. The people are nice and were willing to help. 

I will be going back there for a few more days before heading to America and I am looking forward to seeing more of what the country has to offer. 

FIBA