Ibekwe takes game to Japan for FIBAs

From www.cstv.com
Download source here

Ekene Ibekwe, at 6-foot-9-inches, can't think of many times he's felt short.

But the thought crossed Ibekwe's mind more than a few times this summer when playing head-to-head with Dallas Mavericks' 7-foot forward Dirk Nowitzki.

"I'm usually one of the taller guys," Ibekwe said. "It was pretty weird for me."

Despite a height disadvantage, the Terrapins' power forward was a key player for the Nigeria national basketball team, holding his own against Nowitzki while playing Germany at the 2006 FIBA World Championships in Saitama, Japan.

Ibekwe had 22 points and 10 rebounds in that game for Nigeria, which made it to the top 16 before losing to Germany, 78-77.

"I thought we played really well as a team," Ibekwe said. "It just came down to the last second. And I really thought about that second for the longest time afterward."

In six games, Ibekwe led the Nigerian team in rebounds (6.7 per game) and was 27th among all players in the World Championships for total rebounds.

Ibekwe found out he'd have the chance to play for his native country when he got a call early in the summer to start working out with the team in Houston and then Dallas.

The Nigerian team did not have any household names on it, as it was mainly created from college and overseas players. Ime Udoka of the New York Knicks was the only player on the Nigerian roster listed on an NBA team.

Though it was initially a challenge to come together as a team, Ibekwe said two-a-day practices - led by Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Sam Vincent - helped bring everyone together.

"After a few practices, you get a feel for it," Ibekwe said. "Once things got going, we played together just fine."

Ibekwe also had to get used to a number of differences between American and international basketball, including a shorter 3-point line, a bigger lane and new goaltending rules.

"When the ball bounces around the rim, anyone can tap it in or out," Ibekwe said. "That was hard to remember and get used to."

Before games started Aug. 19, Ibekwe was able to do some sight-seeing in Japan.

"I went to a few places, most of which I couldn't pronounce," he said. "The food was pretty good, too."

The main attraction for Ibekwe, though, was to feel what it was like to play with world-class athletes.

"It's really like two different games," said Ibekwe. "Almost everyone's a pro. Dirk is one of the best players in the world. Coach wanted me to be on him the whole time. I was kind of nervous."

Ibekwe's nerves disappeared once the ball was tipped, and he was able to hold Nowitzki to nine rebounds and 23 points on 7-of-18 shooting.

"In the game before, he had 47 points, so I felt good about that," Ibekwe said. "He's not necessarily that strong, just big. It was easier to guard him around the perimeter where I could get to him."

Though the close game was a disappointment reminiscent of the past two years for the Terps, Ibekwe said he wouldn't have traded the experience.

"Losing hurts, wherever you are," said Ibekwe, who finished fourth in points for the team and first in rebounds. "But the trip and the opportunity were such a good thing for me to do, and I'd do it again."

Ibekwe, who nearly entered the 2006 NBA draft before withdrawing at the last minute, is back in College Park and with the Terps for his senior season.

After two straight appearances in the NIT, Ibekwe wants to make his final year count.

"I had a great trip this summer, but now I want to focus on Maryland," Ibekwe said. "I'm going to try and get things rolling. We definitely have a good shot this year."

Ekene goes abroad

Ibekwe led the Nigerian FIBA national team in rebounds. Below is his stat-line over the team's six games played this summer.