David Monday Etim, a remarkable 15-year-old basketball talent from Ikot Ukpong village in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, has recently earned scholarships from three prestigious colleges in the United States, following his standout performance at the NBA Africa tryouts in Senegal. Discovered playing on the streets of Calabar in 2021 by attorney and sports enthusiast, Faithfulness Okom, David’s life took a dramatic and promising turn.
Growing up in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, without the support of his parents—who left him at a young age—David faced numerous challenges. Despite these hardships, his passion for basketball ignited under the care of Mr. Okom, who not only introduced him to the sport but also provided him with a home and guidance.
Standing at six feet and nine inches, David’s physical stature is impressive, much like his father, who is also tall. However, his relationship with his father remains strained, with little communication after being pushed out of his home. David’s mother left when he was just four, leaving him without any contact with her or his father’s family since.
David spoke about his initial uncertainty about playing basketball. It was Mr. Okom who inspired him and helped him realize his potential in the sport. This newfound confidence propelled him to pursue his passion relentlessly, ultimately leading him to the tryouts in Senegal.
The journey has not been easy. Before his success at the tryouts, David faced visa denials that prevented earlier scholarship opportunities in the U.S. However, his resilience paid off, and now, with three scholarship offers in hand, his dreams of playing basketball professionally are becoming a reality.
David's aspirations go beyond playing in the NBA. He aims to give back to the community by building a foundation to support kids facing similar challenges, and he hopes to mentor and coach future generations of players.
For other young individuals who might doubt their dreams, David’s advice is clear: stay focused, surround yourself with positive influences, and put faith in God’s plan.
As David prepares to move to the U.S. and further his education and basketball career, his story remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of perseverance and support from kind-hearted individuals like the Okom family.
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