By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 4, 2024

Shalom Ikedigwe’s journey into the world of basketball started unexpectedly.

Like many Nigerian kids, Ikedigwe’s first love was football. Growing up in the Nigerian Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos State, football was the sport everyone around him gravitated towards.

However, fate had something different in store for Ikedigwe.

At 12, while still a student at the Nigerian Air Force Secondary School in Ikeja, Ikedigwe’s life took a sharp turn toward basketball. The pivotal moment came when he decided to accompany his elder sister to one of her basketball training sessions. Little did he know that this decision would spark a lifelong passion.

“I believe every Nigerian child started with football before they found out about other sports. That was the case with me, then I started basketball in high school,” Ikedigwe told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“I was 12 years old when I first watched my sister train, and that was the moment I fell in love with the game. My sister always helped me; she gave me tips and even let me rebound for her during her workouts.”

Despite his burning passion, Ikedigwe’s basketball journey wasn’t as smooth as envisaged, with his parents, especially his father, initially unsupportive of his interest in the sport.

“At first, my parents didn’t support me,” Ikedigwe admits.

“My dad was very strict about education coming first. When I entered senior secondary school, he seized my basketball shoes and everything related to the sport. But my passion for basketball was so strong that I started sneaking out to play. Sometimes, I even played barefoot on the court.”

Eventually, his parents came around, recognising that basketball was more than just a hobby for Shalom but a passion that could take him places. With their newfound support, his career truly started to flourish.

As a shooting guard who can comfortably play all positions, Ikedigwe’s versatility on the court became evident as he honed his skills.

His hard work paid off when he played in the recent Viedione Tournament in Victoria Garden City in June, where he led his team, White Fire, to an impressive performance and emerged as the Most Valuable Player.

“That was my best moment in basketball so far. Being named MVP in such a competitive tournament was a huge milestone for me,” the teenager told our correspondent.

However, like any journey, it wasn’t without its setbacks. One of his saddest moments came during the Champions of Champions tournament finals in high school, where his team finished second.

“It was an intense game, and we came up short,” he said.

“Losing that game was tough because we were so close to winning it all.”

Ikedigwe also had to overcome physical challenges. Injuries threatened to derail his burgeoning career.

“Yes, I felt like quitting once because I kept encountering injuries back-to-back, which kept me out for months.

“But I’m in love with basketball; I can’t quit,” the 16-year-old said.

Balancing academics with sports is a challenge many young athletes face, but Ikedigwe did so with ease.

“It wasn’t too hard for me to mix basketball and my education,” the 6ft 5in guard said.

“I learnt to give basketball its own time and school its own time. I never allowed them to clash.”

Ikedigwe’s role model is NBA star Kevin Durant, whose career and playing style have inspired him a great deal.

As for his future, Ikedigwe hinted at his big dreams, saying, “My goal is to be successful in basketball so I can give back to society in all the ways I can.

“I really hope God makes it possible for me.”

His dreams are fuelled by the support of his coach, Iyin Laditan, CEO of Hoopdreamsng, who has been instrumental in Ikedigwe’s development as a player.

Coach Laditan recalls the first time he saw Ikedigwe play, saying, “Another coach brought him to come to work out with my team. On that first day, it was immediately clear this was a guy with a lot of talent—still very young and hungry for the game.

“As time went on, we slowly integrated him into the team, and he continued to shine. He became our second-highest scorer at one point.”

Ikedigwe’s journey has taken him from barefoot games on a local court to shining in major tournaments.

His potential is undeniable, and those around him believe he’s destined for even greater things. “He is a special kid whose talent is created for more than Nigeria,” says Coach Laditan.

“We have done our best to create a great environment for him to showcase his skills, and he has done just that.”

For Ikedigwe, the path to basketball greatness is still unfolding, but with his determination and the support of those around him, the future looks bright.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 4, 2024

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