Meet The Player: Emmanuel Izunabor
Emmanuel is a player that has not been in the area very long but he is already becoming known locally and in the state for his ability to rebound the ball and block shots. In this game in particular he…
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Continue ReadingEmmanuel is a player that has not been in the area very long but he is already becoming known locally and in the state for his ability to rebound the ball and block shots. In this game in particular he finished with 7 Points and 15 Rebounds in a much anticipated matchup with Freedom Christian Academy. After the game we got to speak with Emmanuel about life in the US, his goal for the team and what he likes to do on game days. As soon as we completed the Interview I was informed that Emmanuel had just received his first offer , so it was just a good night overall for the young man!
Q: Well, You guys got a good win tonight against another good 2A team that played in the playoffs last year, was this a game you guys were looking forward to?
Emmanuel: Yes, we were looking forward to this game, because we beat them last time we played but this time they had all their players back, so we had to play hard and compete.
Q: How long have you been in the USA?
Emmanuel: In January it will be 2 years.
Q: Prior to coming here did you play a lot of basketball?
Emmanuel: No, In Nigeria I played soccer so I’ve only been playing basketball for 2 years.
Q: You seem like you’ve been able to pick up the game fairly well and rebounding seems to be what you focus on with your team instead of scoring, is that something that you wanted to do ? Or did it just kind’ve come along naturally?
Emmanuel: Yes I just try to work hard and do whatever I have to do to help the team win , It’s not all about scoring .If I’m working hard and I get 4 points and a bunch of rebounds and we win then I’m happy, Whatever it takes for us to win basketball games.
Q: In the NBA who is your favorite player to watch? As well as your favorite team?
Emmanuel: I Like LeBron James, and the Cleveland Cavs
Q: Is there any player that you watch now that you kindve study their game and the way they play?
Emmanuel: Back in Africa I watched a lot of Kevin Durant, LeBron, I like Kevin Durant’s game a lot but I’ve got my ball handling right to play like that.
Q: Right now you’re leading in rebounds and blocks for your team, going forward what are some things that you personally would like to improve on to make yourself more of an All-Around player?
Emmanuel: I need to work on my Post game, free throws, ball handling, as you know in college and pro all the big men can handle the ball too. I’m 6’9 and guys at those levels at my height can handle the ball.
Q: What is something you have to do on game day?
Emmanuel: During game day I like to eat something plain, like a burger, because last game I ate miyabis and it was too much on my stomach so I couldn’t focus on the game. Like last game I don’t think I played good because of the food that I ate.
Q: Any music or songs in particular that you like to listen to before every game?
Emmanuel: Yea Boosie ‘‘Like a man’’ I like that song, and then there are some other songs that I like to listen too.
Q: As far as colleges and recruitment goes, has there been any or has it been quiet?
Emmanuel: It’s just been quiet, I know I will get offers so I’m not worried about it, I just come out and play basketball, I’m not really worried about that. I’m going to be playing for a good AAU team so I will get my opportunities and offers.
Q: Goals for the team and yourself this season?
Emmanuel: We know we don’t have a very deep team, but we just want to play hard and make it to the State Championships. It’s not all about having a large team, as long as we play together and be a true team and listen to our coaches then we can go far. That is our goal, win the conference and go to state