The Holy Family rookie talks about himself, his team and his Accra Basketball League experience.
RGH: Straight to the point, tell us a bit about yourself.
NA: Only son of parents, last of two children,graduate from the Regional Maritime University in electrical engineering, assistant coach of HCH and a combo guard in his rookie season for Holy Family. Started playing basketball in JHS 2, I've loved it since the first time I touched a ball and spend most of my afternoons playing.
RGH: So where do you usually play; any place you like to call your home court?
NA: yea, the Korle Bu medical school court.
RGH: How would you describe your game?
NA: A little of D-Wade since I like to take the lane to the basket and yet still have a good mid-range shot. A bit of Jordan with my leap and suspension and a bit of Westbrook too with my quick pace on the fast-break.
RGH: Your team looks good on paper, with Djimate at the guard(one of the best in the league, if not the best) and a decently skilled big in Pappoe. But you've won only two games, what would you say is the cause or the reason for this record?
NA: Well sincerely I think its synergy, we haven't played as a unit in a while. Guys are all over the place; schooling and working and that’s taking a toll on our performance as a whole. Just like Miami, two people can't do it alone. We need to move and work as a unit then we'll become a formidable force to reckon with.
RGH: What are your expectations as a player for the second half of the season?
NA: Well, I need to step up my game,sometimes I am caught watching the stars on my team put on a show. But basically the first round was just me catching a glimpse of the league and I think I've seen enough and now know how to adjust in most situations.
RGH: Do you think your team will perform any better in the second half of the season?
NA: Yes! I know we will perform better.
RGH: Any reasons you think you guys will be better in the second half?
NA: Yea, we've had enough time to reflect on the past games and we're taking advantage of the mid season break to put a few measures in place.
RGH: Like practicing together?
NA: Yes! but individually we've built the mindset of working harder whether at a team practice or at personal workouts. We lost some of our games based on stamina, guys need to workout a bit more to stay fitter for the games.
RGH: Who's your favorite teammate? why?
NA: Tough question. Holy Family, just like its name has been the best family I've found myself since I started playing ball. There's this love that flows right down from coach through captain and to all other teammates. Though we are bound to have differences as humans, I think my favorite teammate will be everybody on the team.
RGH: You know we can't do without talking about your coach, this being your first season, how have you managed to cope with the pressure from one of the most animated coaches in Ghana?
NA: Haha! I like this question, animated,well my coach though people find it hard to believe is one if not the best in the league. His strong desire to win is what drives us each time we step on the court. He's very defensive minded and a disciplinarian. Yet, you wont have a problem with him if you are humble. He sees something special in every player and that's one thing most coaches in Ghana do not have. I must confess though that it was a bit rough in the beginning but ever since I availed myself for correction we've gotten along really well
RGH: So far, which match would you say was the toughest?
NA: Braves!
RGH: Now, about the Accra league; what do you think about it? and why did you decide to play in the league?
NA: Accra league hmm, certainly not the best and a lot can be done to improve it but the reason why I play is because I just love the game!
RGH: Thanks a lot for your time.
NA: You always welcome, one love!
