INTERVIEW: How Difficult Childhood Inspired My Rising Basketball Career — Chinyelu
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20-year-old rising basketball star, Rueben Chinyelu in this interview monitored by Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU
revealed how he rose up from a tough background in Nigeria’s commercial City, Lagos to becoming an important player for the Washington State Cougars.
Can you provide insights into your background and upbringing in Nigeria?
I’m from Anambra State, Eastern part of Nigeria, I lost my dad when I was six, so I was raised by my mother. It was a tough experience for me. My mother was the the only one taking care of the family then.
I’m just happy we were able to scale through, she instilled discipline into us. She was really good, kept us going with her discipline.
Commencing your basketball journey, what sparked your initial interest in the sport, and when did you start playing?
Actually when I was little, my siblings never allowed us to go out and partake in any sport. I have two elder sisters, you have to concentrate on your school work.
They make sure we sticked by the rules and I didn’t take part in any sport. Basketball was a bit popular in Nigeria back then.
I remember summer time when I was helping my brother-in-law because he do sell clothing materials, an old lady came to buy material and when she saw me, she was like you are tall, do you play basketball?
Then I was like, this is not the first time I’m hearing this question. I told her I don’t play basketball and she told me you can play basketball and also go to school in the United States of America.
That caught my attention, after our discussion, she wanted to see my brother-in-law, She dropped her number and we connected later.
My brother-in-law later took me to the national stadium where I registered under coach Shally. That was how my journey started.
You must have encountered some challenges and setbacks on your way, how has that inspired you?
The challenges are real , you always go through it in life. A year after I started playing basketball, I was opportuned to play for Nigeria’s U-16 side.
It was successful, I had great run, I got offers from high schools in the States to go study there. Then when I went for visa, I was denied. I was actually denied eight times and it was a difficult experience for me.
I just tried to be strong and didn’t allow it weigh me down. I don’t want my mummy to see me down or see me sad. I always want to see her happy. I don’t want to see her down or get worried.
I just kept doing my thing, go to training, put the anger there, train hard and do my best. It was really difficult because I was doing my best. I remember one time I asked the interviewer, is there any reason why things were these difficult.
But I was just positive, kept going and believing in God because he was the one that brought me there and will see me through.
How has your Nigerian heritage shaped your approach to basketball? Are there specific cultural values you carry both on and off the court?
Yes there is, the way I was brought up, a disciplined lifestyle, doing what you have to do at the right time. Doing it the right way too, which helped me a lot.
Even when things are not going as planned, you just have to trust the process. I just kept going at it and trying to get the best out of every situation.
My Nigerian heritage has helped a lot because it kept me in check by letting me remain disciplined, doing what I have to do when I have to do it and getting it done at the right time.
Who are the players or mentors that significantly influenced your development as a basketball player?
I would say it always changes because when i started playing basketball I was looking up to Michael Jordan. Everyone really liked him. It was MJ here and there.
Michael Jordan, Le Bron James and Kobe Bryant. When I started growing into the game, I started having so many other people like Hakeem Olajunwon, Chris Webber, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the list keeps popping up.
Right now, I can just say a lot players inspired me. Getting to hear their stories, see how they do things, be myself and try to pick one or two things from them.
Everyone’s story just motivate and inspire me to keep getting better.
The documentary highlights your deep love for basketball; can you share a specific moment or experience that solidified your passion for the sport?
I would say the specific moments was when we played the NBA Academy games in Atalanta and we won the Championship.
It was really fun, been around and playing with my brothers. It was a fun moment, we just came in and do what we have to do. Do our best to be successful. I really enjoyed that moment.
Tell us about your current season with Washington State Cougars?
It’s good, you know, moving around with new people, new teammates, getting to know and playing with each other has been really good. I’m enjoying every bit of it.
Two beautiful seasons so far, we are just looking forward to the future. We just keep working hard and see what the future has in stock for us.
How difficult was the transition from the NBA Academy to the game in college?
It wasn’t that difficult the setting in the NBA Academy is quite similar to that of the college. Schooling, practicing, may be little different, but it wasn’t difficult because I was used to similar things before.
When I was in Senegal, I was doing US based online class. It was quite different, but I won’t say it was difficult. It’s something I’m used to, the system, the programme.
It’s really nice because It gave me a good standing because I have a good foundation laid out for me.
How is life in Washington compare to Lagos?
It’s quite different here, everyone is nice here, the weather too is cold and is a really nice place.
A lot of people want to know you here, be your friend. It’s quite really different from Lagos. You know Lagos is always busy, it’s different but still good.
Do you have any ambition of playing for the Washington Wizards?
I don’t have an answer for that at the moment. We are looking forward to the season and see how it goes. When is due time, is due time.
I just want to focus on the present, when we get to that bridge, we will cross it.Once it is time, it will happen. I’m just thinking about the present and make the best out of it.
What is your ultimate dream in this sport?
My ultimate dream is to play at the highest level, that’s the NBA. Be an inspiration. Try to help people in Africa, create awareness and make difference.
There are a lot of talented players in Africa, not just in Nigeria. If I can give them the opportunity to show their skills, give them opportunity. That’s my dream, that’s my plan.
I want to put Africa on the map, showcase to the world that there are talented players in Africa. That’s the ultimate goal for me.
Do you have any ambition of representing Nigeria?
I want have done that before, I played in a World Cup qualifier.
There is nothing greater than representing your country. I always want to defend my country.
Which player do you model your game after?
I just try to pick different things from different players, but i would say Akeem Olajunwon, Chris Webber and Giannis.
I watched Giannis a lot and see what he does that is good for him and can work for me too.
Is there a specific message or advice you would like to share with other young people?
My message is be yourself, trust yourself, because no one will believe in you, if you don’t believe in yourself. Then, most importantly trust the process.
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