CMR – Lockout deprives NT of Mbah a Moute

MILWAUKEE (Afrobasket) – If there’s one player all fans would love to watch at the Afrobasket in Madagascar this summer, it’s Cameroon’s Luc Mbah a Moute.

The powerful, 2.03m forward of the Milwaukee Bucks was a true workhorse this season, his third in the league.

The former UCLA star averaged 26.5 minutes in 79 appearances.

As fate would have it, he’ll miss the event for the second time in a row.

Mbah a Moute skipped Afrobasket 2009 because of his NBA commitments and now, the failure of the team owners and players to sign a new collective bargaining agreement has led to the former locking out the latter.

The NBA has suspended its league operations and that means Olympic hopefuls Cameroon now have the burden of paying for Mbah a Moute’s insurance if he is to represent the country.

“It is a lot of money to secure my own insurance,” the 24-year-old said to FIBA.com.

“I won't be able to do it.”

Asked if the Cameroon Basketball Federation could cover the costs, Mbah a Moute replied: “No, I don't think they would pay that money for a single player.”

With the Afrobasket in Madagascar tipping off in just several weeks, Cameron fans are hoping their national team can avenge a 68-61 setback to Ivory Coast back in the 2009 Semi-Finals.

Cameroon will meet Ivory Coast, as well as South Africa and Egypt, in Group C.

“My wish is for them to play the best they can and make our people proud,” Mbah a Moute said.

“Anyone who knows me is capable of recognizing my desire to play for Cameroon.

“Unfortunately, it won't be this time.”

Fans will have to settle for the memories of his excellent play four years ago when Mbah a Moute made his Afrobasket debut.

Neither his willingness to represent his country, nor his ambition, are enough to overcome the insurance dilemma he and Cameroon face because of the lockout.

Julio Chitunda
FIBA