"Of giving and giving back"
The actions described above may sound the same, but if deeply understood you will see the difference. And yes, the difference was surely seen and felt by most, if not all, of the NBA players who played during the exhibition game in Africa.
Ellis Park Arena in downtown Johannesburg was the place to be last Saturday when Team Africa and Team World had their exhibition game. Both teams were composed of former NBA legends and current NBA stars. But what made the teams and the game really special was the fact that Team Africa was made up of players born in Africa or with African heritage. The game really showcased African pride and talents.
The crowd was unstoppable when Hakeem Olajuwon, the first African-born player drafted into the NBA league, made its appearance and displayed his signature move, the turn-around jumper - "Dream Shake." The night was purely a display of awesome talent and fun. It made some of the players reminisce their past, and as for Deng, who was born in South Sudan, he felt that;
"For me, as a kid, (I wanted) to play basketball and never had the access to meet NBA players, or watch NBA... Now to bepart of a team coming back to play for Africa. I can't describe it."
However, such act or move may only be considered by other people as a mere exhibition game in order to spread the influence of NBA globally, but for the people of Africa and for the players, the game means an inspiration. As seen onsupersport, South African Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula said during the opening press conference that;
"This game offers young African kids the opportunity to see how far other African kids have been able to take their talent in the best league in the world and against the best in the business... There is so much to be gained and I hope they will be inspired."
Whatever the comments would be, only one truth remains on top of it. NBA and their players gave back something to the people of Africa during that said event.
