NGR - Masai decried the state of J/Tigers preparation

LAGOS (National Team) - Denver Nuggets director of scouting and Nigeria junior national team assistant coach Masai Ujuri is not a happy man the way the build-up of the African champion is being handled.

In this chat with our correspondent, Segun Ikuesan, the former Nigeria international who believed so much in the ability of the Nigerian and African players says, if only the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF and other stakeholders in the game in Nigeria could get its act together the sky will be the limit for the nation national teams.

Progress of the National teams?

I think last summer was a solid summer for us as a country. We made remarkable strides at the FIBA World Championship in Japan and won the 15th edition of Africa Junior Championship in Durban, South Africa. We have to keep building on this and be consistent in our organization and preparation for competitions. We don’t lack the players which for me is the key component. Sam Vincent did a great Job and we must continue this summer at the African men’s championship taking place in Angola. I also think the Dodan Warriors basketball club did a great job at the club championships held in Lagos last year. It was a success hosting this competition. I think the one thing that also provides for strong national teams is a strong local league. I am really disappointed with the inconsistency and lack of a league. There is no excuse for not having one and I don’t think sponsorship should even be close to being an issue. As a federation we must put our heads together to solve this problem.

The junior national team preparation?

I have not been too pleased with our attitude towards the preparation of the Junior team especially with how good our team did in South Africa and the potential to make good strides at the world level. We have the youngsters. We have dominated junior basketball in the continent and its time we took it a step further.

The camps we have put together the last 4 yrs have really developed a lot of kids. Now we must stay consistent and prepare the right way for such major tournaments. We always complain about money. I think its more of an organization and planning deficiency.

One of the favorite things I do at Denver daily is go in early to the office and talk to Coach George Karl in the coaches locker room before practice. I have done it so many times and one quote that comes out of his mouth every single time is “We can’t cheat the game”. We can’t.

Their chances in Serbia this summer?

We have an exciting team like you saw in South Africa. They play so hard and give it their all. The key is having a good point guards and solid inside presence. With Orseer Ikyator, Daniel Daudu and Michael Ohiero Coach Adeka and I are very confident with the point guard position. With Solomon Alabi in the middle and Emmanuel Negedu we will definitely have good inside play.

I also think Nosa Omeregbe and Ibrahim Yusuf are developing into strong wing players. Then we have superb role players like Abel Baraya, Omori Mbaram and George Ehiagwina who compliment very well. If we prepare well, the kids have a great attitude and winning mentality. I am really confident that we will do well. But everyone has to play their part.

On the rest of the group. Turkey, Canada and Australia?

These are all strong basketball playing nations but one thing I know is that they will prepare well. If I am not mistaken, Australia won this tournament in 2003. So there is a winning history in this program. I have seen Turkey and Canada play, they are strong teams that and would have gained a lot of experience before the world Juniors in Serbia because
of the seriousness their federation attach to the championship. All teams have very good guard play and this has been one of our weaknesses in the past.

We must prepare the right way if we must better our eleventh position placing and be counted among top basketball playing nation at the junior level and put the time into building a team that will have a chance at the world stage.

Your progress in the NBA?

I have been blessed to work for some good people. My Owner and all my bosses have been just outstanding letting me be the best I possibly can and giving me the opportunity to go out there and be creative, grind it out and look for talent around the world. I can’t ask for anything more. It has become such a global game. I continue to grow in every aspect of the game and keep learning new thing everyday.

To be involved in management and the front office of an NBA team is very exciting and challenging. I am very grateful to God to be where I am at my age and this stage of my career.

The annual BWB in Africa?

What a great event. I am really proud of being Director of this camp along with Amadou Fall of the Dallas Mavericks. Kim Bahouny of the NBA and Amadou Fall gave me the opportunity to be involved in this camp 5 years ago and boy has it grown.
Giving these kids the opportunity to work with NBA coaches and players, and also interact with kids from all over the continent of Africa. I mean last year we had Mike Brown of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Terry Stouts of the Milwaukee Bucks. These are NBA head coaches, the kids are getting first hand coaching from these guys.

Impression of "Legendary" Dikembe Mutombo?

Africa cannot be more proud of this guy representing us in just a touching way. Very genuine, honest, hard working, giving and loving person. So much fun to work with and I am proud to have him as a personal friend.

One of my biggest dreams is to bring him to Nigeria some day. Trust me, it will happen. But to see him beside George Bush at the state of the Union Address and the recognition he got that day was remarkable, it sent chills down my spine. A very proud day for Africa.

God will continue to give him the strength to continue.

By Olusegun Ikuesan
FIBA Official Correspondent in Nigeria