DA-F Basketball Academy on Monday organised a farewell ceremony for their captain, John Keneyo who has been picked for the NBA Africa Academy in Senegal.
The 16 year old Rivers state born forward is the only Nigerian picked among 5 other players in the Giant Africa Camp in Lagos last month. Keneyo will join 14 players from other African countries in the NBA Academy and will be trained by coaches from the NBA.
It is also expected that the 15 players will combine education and basketball for two years before heading to college in the United States. Before his departure on Tuesday to Senegal, an elated Keneyo said his dream to play in the NBA will soon be achieved.
“It’s a great opportunity and a great achievement not just for me but the academy and everyone in Nigeria. I did my best during the selection process, so it wasn’t a difficult task and I am ready for the task ahead. My dream is to play in the LA Lakers and I am grateful to God for this opportunity to achieve my dream,” he said.
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Meanwhile, organiser of the DA-F Academy, Fubara Oyanabo said he is a proud father hoping Keneyo maximises the opportunity given to him.
“I feel so happy he is not my player but a son to me and I will miss him. This is one of the best things that has happened to Da-F Basketball Programme. Most times players transit to high school and colleges and about 20 of them have gone to high school from here. This is the first time one of my players will be picked to attend NBA academy,” Oyanabo revealed.
The Rivers State basketball coach hopes his former captain stays healthy while focusing on his education and basketball.
Family, well-wishers, coaches and friends were in attendance for the farewell ceremony at the basketball court on Niger Street, Port Harcourt.
