Joel Embiid

We have to go back to March 16, 1994, to trace Joel Embiid's journey to the NBA. He was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on that date, and little did his family know what was in store for him. Basketball wasn't Joel's first sport; instead, he initially focused on volleyball and soccer.

However, when he switched to basketball, his talent quickly became apparent, and his family moved to the US so he could develop his skills. While he was a student at the University of Kansas, he got the attention of NBA scouts, and the rest is history.

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Joel third overall in the 2014 draft. Although he was plagued by injuries in his earlier years, he still emerged as one of the most dominant centers in the league, known for his ability to score, rebound, and his defensive skills. Joel has been named to multiple NBA all-star teams and was named the league's MVP in 2023. Until he injured the meniscus in his left knee in February, he was on track to win the MVP award for the second season in a row, and it looked like the 76ers had a good chance of winning the NBA championship

When Embiid returned in April, many fans had high hopes he'd be able to pick up from where he left off and kept close tabs on his progress, with some wagering he'd lead the 76ers into a deep playoff run. As sports betting becomes more popular, it's become another way for fans to get even more involved in Embiid’s progress. Although the 76ers bowed out of the playoffs in the first round this year, there are high hopes for the upcoming season. Embiid has already performed well in the Olympic trials for Team USA and is expected, so many fans will likely be betting on Team USA to take home the gold in Paris.

Hakeem Olajuwon

No person of African heritage has had a greater impact on the game of basketball than Hakeem Olajuwon.

Hakeem was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on January 21, 1963, and began his sports journey playing soccer and handball. He later transitioned to basketball to capitalize on his height and agility. Before he was drafted into the NBA, Hakeem went to the University of Houston, where he played under Coach Guy Lewis.

During that time, he led the Cougars to three Final Four appearances. The Houston Rockets drafted Hakeem as the first overall pick in 1984 from a draft class that included NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. Hakeem quickly established himself as a dominant force and became known for his footwork, defensive skills, and ability to score. He led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995 and was named Finals MVP both times.

His other NBA accolades include being named the NBA MVP in 1994, winning two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and 12 All-Star selections. He also holds the record for most career blocked shots. 

Dikembe Mutombo

Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on June 25, 1966, Dikembe Mutombo would grow up to be one of the most impactful players of African heritage to ever wear an NBA uniform. Mutombo moved to the US after receiving a USAID scholarship and enrolled at Georgetown University, where he had initially planned to study medicine.

However, under the guidance of Coach John Thompson, his basketball skills flourished, and he got the attention of the NBA.

Dikembe was best known for his defensive skills. During his 18-season career, he was an eight-time All-Star and a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. His finger-wagging after blocking a shot became iconic, and he ranks second all-time in career blocked shots, right behind Hakeem Olajuwo

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MOHAMED SALAH JOINS ELITE GROUP OF PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS

FIBA wrote to the Nigerian government stating the consequences that the basketball team will face if the suspension does not get overturned in the coming days. According to the NBBF, the decision to suspend the country was because of the unrest that is going on between the fractions of the basketball associations.

Nigeria's women's basketball team has written to the NBBF appealing to the federal government that the decision should be overturned so that they can be allowed to compete at the FIBA 2022 Women's Basketball World Cup.

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D'Tigress vs Japan

Ezinne Kalu started the game with a jump shot for 3 points, followed by a 2 pointer by Ify Ibekwe to give Nigeria an early lead. The Japanese side came back into the game with amazing passing and shooting accuracy, which was key for them in winning the first quarter 30-22.

The Japanese team started the second quarter with more firepower. Japan's Hiyashi got herself 20 points in the first half which ensured Nigeria trailed the half by 13 points. The first half ended 51-38 in favor of the host country.

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The Nigerian team gave an amazing performance in the last quarter by winning it 26-18. The Japanese attacking prowess was the difference between both teams.

This result means the end of the road for D'Tigress at the Tokyo 2020 while Japan heads to the quarter-final of the Women's Basketball game.

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A defeat for the D'Tigers against Italy meant elimination from the Olympics basketball event, having lost their first two games against Australia and Germany 84-67 and 99-92, respectively.

D'Tigers vs Italy

The game did not start for the Nigerian team as they would have expected, losing the first quarter 22-17. The offensive line of the Italians was key to their performance while Nigeria suffered from having five turnovers and poor shooting accuracy.

It was a much-spirited performance from the D'Tigers in the second quarter. John Okafor reduced Italy's lead to 7 points, Chimezie Metu also got a 3 pointer which reduced the lead to four points. Nigeria went into the first half break cutting a 15 points deficit to just 1 point. The quarter ended 40-39 in favor of Italy.

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The third quarter ended 63-56 in favor of Nigeria, as the Italians could not match the attacking prowess of the African team. D'Tigers achieved this because of reduced turnovers and better shooting accuracy.

The game ended 80-71 in favor of the Italians. D'Tigers needed to beat Italy with at least nine points and hope Australia beats Germany to stand a chance in the quarter-final of the Olympics Basketball games.

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Pallas and Ify Ibekwe

At the end of the first quarter, D'Tigress led the United States 20-17, going into the second quarter with a 3 point lead. Ify Ibekwe was the star of the first quarter leading the Nigeria team with 7 points.

It was a better performance in the second quarter by the United States team, who showed the Nigerian team why they are best ranked in the world, getting 27 points while the D'Tigress could only get 12 points. The USA team went into the third quarter with a 12 points lead over D'Tigress. The highlight of the second quarter was the 3 pointer Buzzer beater by Adaora Elonu.

D'Tigress started the last quarter with a more spirited performance, as they were not ready to go down without a fight. The Nigerians recovered well from a 20 point margin to lose narrowly against the world's number one by just 9 points. The game ended 81-72 in favour of the Americans.

A'ja Wilson emerged as the game's highest scorer with 19 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, followed closely by Nigeria's Ezinne Kalu with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.

In the other Group B game, Japan beats France 74-70. Nigeria will play France next on Friday, July 30th, 2021.

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D'Tigers Obi Emegano

The game started on a wonderful note for the African team after it leveled both teams at the end of the first quarter, 23-23. Obi Emegano was the star of the first quarter by getting 3 consecutive 3 pointers ensuring it ended all square.

It went all wrong for the D'Tigers when they trailed the start of the third quarter at 6 points. The Boomers capitalized on the turnovers and missed free shots by D'Tigers. Nigeria's Jordan Nwora gradually found his feet in the game as he got his tally to 10 points in the third quarter but that did not change the scoreline as the quarter ended 58-52 in favor of Australia and the game ended in 84-67 against Nigeria who seemed to be no match for their European counterpart.

D'Tigers will look back at the 13 missed free throws which were key in losing the game.

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Meanwhile, in the other Group B game between Italy and Germany, which was played before Australia versus Nigeria, the Italians came out victorious with a 92-82 win over the Germans. This means Nigeria plays Germany next on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. A win for the Italians will guarantee a place in the quarter-final and probably the end of the road for Nigeria.

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Giannis is a win Away From First-Ever NBA Championship

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The Bucks wrestled their way out of an early 16-point deficit after losing 37-21 in the 1st quarter,  by winning the 2nd quarters 43-24 handsomely. The 3rd and 4th quarters were a close affair as the Bucks held off the Sun's attempts of a comeback in what was a thrilling game.

Giannis, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday performed exceptionally well as they scored 32, 29, and 27 points respectively, putting the Milwaukee Bucks ahead for the first time in the series on their road win.

The Milwaukee Bucks are the first team to go down 0-2 in the series and win the next 3 games in NBA Finals history since the Miami Heat in 2006, 1977 Trail Blazers and Pistons in 1955. They all went on to win the championship.

“We kept our composure, we kept fighting. This is the NBA Finals, so you got to give everything you got. And that’s what the team did tonight.” said Giannis after the game. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the 5th player in NBA Finals history with 30+ points, 5+ assists, 5+ rebounds & no turnovers since individual turnovers were tracked in 1977-78 joining LeBron James (2020), Kevin Durant (2017), Dennis Johnson (1987) & Larry Bird (1987)

Devin Booker and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the first pair of players in NBA history to each score 40+ points twice in one NBA Finals. Booker: 42 in Game 4, 40 in Game 5. Giannis: 42 in Game 2, 41 in Game 3. Booker is also the first player in NBA history to have 40+ points in consecutive NBA Finals games and lose both games.

The Milwaukee Bucks will be looking to seal the deal and win their first championship in 50 years in Wednesday's Game 6, 2:00 AM WAT.

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