Masai Ujiri, the ultimate role model
Over a decade-long playing career spanning from 1991 to 2002, Ujiri knows every nook and cranny — down to the nitty-gritties — of basketball. The high-intensity sport demands athletes to be in peak physical shape while maintaining perfect mental conditioning. He spent his entire professional career playing in Europe, beginning his career with the Solent Stars in the National Basketball League Division 3 before attending college.
He later won the title with his team in the fourth tier of English basketball with an impressive 20-2 record. After his collegiate career, the 1.96m giant played for the Derby Rams in England, returned for two seasons to the Solent Stars, and had a short stint with Tournai-Estaimpuis in Belgium. He also featured for Hemel Royals before appearing for BC Nokia.
Now 55, Ujiri’s globetrotting career took him to different parts of Europe. Despite ending his professional career in 2002, his long-forged love with basketball was just starting. Since retiring, he worked as a youth coach and scout for Nigeria, as well as a scout for the Orlando Magic. It was at Denver Nuggets that Ujiri earned recognition as an international scout and was when the world started paying attention.
In 2008, he was named assistant general manager of the Toronto Raptors. He was later promoted to executive vice president and general manager of the Canadian franchise, signing a jaw-dropping $15 million deal for five years.
Given this background, it’s understandable why mentorship is a key part of Giants of Africa.
“Competition and events and things like this bring so much comradery. Mentorship means being able to work with other people. Honestly, there’s something big about this kind of thing that not only identifies sports, but also identifies yourself.
“This is where it starts. You see so many players, so many ex-players and coaches that come from everywhere to help this youth, to help these kids, and these coaches know coaches. They represent organisations and this is how the Pascal Siakams, the [Joel] Embiids and all these guys get scouted. You get to the level your talent takes you.
“You work hard. You’re passionate about the game. That’s one. The second one is the life skills and also everything that we teach these kids in what we feel that the ecosystem of sport brings. You can actually be a sports executive, a sports lawyer, a sports doctor. There are so many things. There’s so many things this youth can do and you play the game at an early age, and it to kind of directs you where to go.”