Sama Taku: basketball maestro shooting for the stars!
Sama Taku is a young Cameroonian born to Michael Taku Fontem and Prudentia Taku. He is resident in Arizona, USA with his parents. He was recently in Cameroon to play two matches with the Cameroon national basketball team against Congo. He was voted most valuable player (MVP). Sama was interviewed in Yaounde by Njinkeng Asonganyi. (NB: on his return to the US he signed his first pro basketball contract on February 24, 2015 to play professional basketball in the Republic of Georgia)
Who is Sama?
Sama is a young basketball player based in the US. I was born in Cameroon. My parents are both proud Cameroonians. I left Cameroon for America in Y2000 at the age of 7. I am very proud and happy to be back after so long.
Are you a professional player?
No, I am not a pro. I graduated from school and played college basketball at the highest level for Pacifics (NCAA) Division 1. I am done with college and still hoping to get a team and sign pro but back in America I just train twice every day.
How did you get selected by the national team?
I really can't tell how the Federation got to know about me. Sometime in March 2014 the federation got in contact with my dad who called and asked me if I was interested in representing my country and I said yes, and just like they say, the rest is history.
Do you find the team good? Or do you have any advice?
I think the team is quite solid. We know we can always be better, especially considering the fact that we haven't played together for long and also the fact that some of our NBA players like Luke Mbah Amoute or Joel Embud couldn't make it so I am sure with the full squad and many training sessions together we will be a very tough team and a hard one to play against.
What is your situation with the team? Will you be here permanently or is it just an experience?
Not at all; I think it is all left to the coach and his staff. Just like I said before, I don't have a club at the moment although back in America I have a coach who helps me with my sessions twice every day. That's why I was fit and ready to play both games, but like I said before, I am happy and proud to be here and if the coach calls me up, I'll be more than glad to answer present. My first experience with the boys was back in China last year, so this is my second. I hope and pray I can be here representing Cameroon for a long time.
After your first game here against Congo, it looks like you underwent a drug test. What really happened?
I think the test was kind of a random experience. All I know is that our opponents appealed for a drug test for me and our captain (Gaston Essengue), but we didn't ask too many questions why we had to do the test. We just did it and thanks to God it went well for both of us.
Did the test follow the rules that govern such an exercise in the US?
I think so. I have never taken a drug test before, but from what I know, I guess it is about the same process.
What is your opinion on the use of drugs in sports?
Maybe with other sports like running and others, drugs help, but I think they do not really help in basketball. Sometimes athletes may be unfortunate to be given drugs like steroids by their doctors even without their knowledge. I am against the use of drugs in sports and I really don't know why an honest athlete should use drugs.
What has been your best experience since arriving back home?
I think it should be seeing my family and old friends. I left Cameroon about 15 years ago and I have many relative back here so it was amazing to have them come over to watch me play today, and also all the many well-wishers, fans and supporters who attended both games. The support and love they showed to us was amazing, and moments like that only keep you going and make you eager to want to do more. I was also impressed by the number of people who congratulated me after the game, taking pictures with me and saying kind words to me – people I have never seen before in my entire life. The reception from everyone was impressive.
Lastly, Sama, what advice do you have for young Cameroonians and Africans out there who may be interested in playing basketball, or those already playing but yet to represent their country?
I will say representing your country, be it in sports or any other field is a once in a lifetime opportunity which not too many are lucky to have. So I'll say if you are lucky to be one of the few to have that kind of opportunity, do as much as you can to grab it with both hands because nothing lasts forever. For Cameroonians and Africans who love basketball, I'll say believe in yourself, follow your dreams and always try to give 100% to be the best you can, and above all, pray! When you do that, I am pretty sure you have a fair chance to prove your talent.
Sama, I wish you the best.
Thank you very much Nji.
On Saturday, February 28, 2015 4:04 PM, nji asonganyi <njiasonganyi@gmail.com> wrote:
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