NGR - Nigeria basketball must learn from past mistakes - Masai Ujiri, Raptors scout

TORONTO (Nigeria basketball) - Masai Ujiri, a former Nigeria international, and the Director of Global Scouting of the Toronto Raptors, continues to grow in the NBA circles. His unique eye for talent, strong work ethic and ability to mix with people, is taking him to places in the basketball world. Obafemi Obadare sought Ujiri's views on the state of the Nigerian game ahead of his camp for budding talents, which holds from May 15 to May 18 in Lagos, Nigeria

How has the journey been for you since you joined the Toronto Raptors?

Journey has been great. The Raptors are a class organisation and I continue to learn from a great GM and President Bryan Colangelo, who works so hard and does it the right way. He is an unbelievable teacher because he teaches you on the move. You learn from every case scenario. My responsibilities are more than when I was with the Nuggets. That's challenging, but how many people get paid to do what they love. Basketball is my passion.

What has been you toughest challenge you moved up north ?

Well first of all the winters are not easy (laughs). But anytime you move to a new organisation, you have to adjust to the way they do things. As much as you bring in new ideas, there is has been a system in place. I have lots of energy and ideas. Sometimes I have to slow down.

Do you still look back on what you achieved at (the) Denver (Nuggets)?

My time in Denver was great. I believe that organisation and the guys who gave me the opportunity made me who I am. Great memories! Kiki Vandeweghe and Jeff Weltman just let me roam the world and figure it out. I had a great relationship with the owner of the Nuggets Stan Kroenke and I still cheer for them except when they play the raptors. So I do look back with fond memories but the way is forward and I am a Raptor now.

What has been your main driving force in the NBA?

I think the main driving force is my background: dreaming about basketball as a kid and maybe one day playing at a high level. I wasn't able to play at the highest level which is the NBA. Now God has given me the opportunity to be part of the NBA not only in the front office, but also representing the NBA in programmes like Basketball without Borders. I love the intrigue of having an eye for talent. That's a driving force for me. Selfishly, I do want to give my country and continent the opportunity to grow in the game of basketball. Anyway I can help kids realise their dreams, I will do that.

What do you think you have added to Toronto?

You will have to ask that question to my superiors. Probably nothing (laughs)! Another unique eye for talent, positive energy, youth, and I think different ideas. My GM likes people that think outside the box.

What are your targets with the organisation in the coming months?

Well we just had an OK season. We finished 41-41 and made the playoffs but lost in the first round to the Orlando Magic (my first team). Our goal is to get better, quicker, more athletic and definitely tougher. We want to advance in the playoffs and become a championship team someday.

How will you describe (Ime) Udoka's debut season at San Antonio? and the talks about dumping the Nigerian men's basketball team?

Ime has been outstanding as a ball player and a true professional. He has really carried himself well and I think should be one of the faces of Nigerian basketball. I don't know what his statement was for sure, but he deserves the best from us. He has represented us well and whatever the problem is, we must resolve. His play this year in the NBA has been outstanding. It takes a lot to impress Coach Greg Popovic. He loves Ime.

What about your expanded camps for this year?

We are excited about camp this year. We have the big man camp holding this weekend in Lagos. We are in the fifth of this programme and extremely proud of the way it has grown. We are also trying to spread around the country and our local coaches have done an outstanding job travelling round the country and teaching the importance of camps and clinics. I am also trying to assist in expanding the camps to other regions of the country. Osita Nwachukwu had one in Owerri and we assisted him. Ugo Udezue is planning to do one in Enugu, Olofu Agbaji in Jos, and John Allagh in Benue. I want to encourage all the old players to come home and do something for our country. Giving back is a priority for me.

When are we going to see more Nigerians playing in the NBA?

Well we had a plan and it was a long term plan. We must continue to grow the game and find away to get better facilities and competition so kids can start playing at an early age. We do have the physical abilities and that's half the battle.

How do you feel that Nigeria will not be playing in Beijing 2008 after a seemingly good outing at Japan 2006?

It is sad. We (Nigeria) as a basketball body and this include board members, administrators, ex players, sponsors need to look at ourselves in the mirror and realise that the state of basketball should be much better. Organisation and planning is a big part of why we are not in Beijing. I can tell you that it is not a lack of players.

How do you kill off time when you are not administering the game?

Well I think the game all the time. But when I am not, I love being with family and friends as much as I can. I enjoy spending time with my dear girlfriend. I also enjoy reading.

How do we move Nigerian basketball forward, and ensure that we make it to Turkey in 2010?

Until we learn to take responsibilities and acknowledge the act of planning and developing a programme, we will not move forward. We must be able to have organisation and not always try to use the fire brigade approach with all we do. We must exhibit the abilities to get sponsors. We must have a programme in place to ensure these sponsors that they are putting their money in the right place that will give us a chance to win and be successful. Preparation is a key. We are scheduled to host the African Cup of Nations next year. What steps are we taking to ensure this is a successful endeavour? Now I can tell you nothing is being addressed.

When are the preparations starting for the next FIBA juniors?

Well I am sending out a reminder to the NBBF as we speak. We have dominated this competition in Africa and need to continue doing this. We must start early and continue to encourage the youth in the country. We must have a competition in the country where we can see all under-18 and all under-16 kids at a national level. The World Juniors has been our nemesis. We have never prepared well for this tournament and always put ourselves at a disadvantage even before we get on the court. Once again until we understand planning, organisation and preparation, we will continue to perform below our level.
Unfortunately due to my increased responsibilities in the front office with the Raptors it will be difficult for me to pull of coaching the junior team this summer. I intend to help as much as I can. The kids are a joy to coach and to work with, a breath of fresh air.