Kabangu Kasamba: “Europe Basketball Academy really goes out there to help you get a foot in the door to play pro.”

Interview with Europe Basketball Academy player Kabangu Kasamba that signed last week contract with basketball club ULB OH!TELS from Spanish EBA league.

Where you started to play basketball and if you may explain your basketball background?
I started playing basketball about grade 6. In high school, I averaged 25 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals a game. Was named Mr. Basketball Niagara twice while earning first-team All-Niagara accolades three straight seasons. I played AAU ball for Grassroots Canada and was a member of the Under-17 Team Ontario that captured gold in 2004. I played two seasons for the Chicago State Cougars, an NCAA Division 1 team on scholarship. Finished off my college playing career as a top player at Brock University where I was a consistent performer averaging 16.3 PPG and 5.6 rebounds. Played semis pro in Canada for Toronto 3D and last year I played half of the season in Italy. I average 17 points per game.

Why did you decide to join Europe Basketball Academy?
I decided to join because saw the reputation they had helping players. Also due to last year, the team did release any game films. It good to have good stats but if you don't get game films it's hard to find a job in the European market. Thought this Europe Basketball Academy would give me the best shot not to waste a year not playing basketball so I decided to give it a try.

Did you attend some camps and if you did can you explain the difference between those camps and Europe Basketball Academy?
Yes, I attended some camps the USASA, most of those camps you just wasting your money and time . Cause no one really get sign. Europe Basketball  Academy is more serious and really go out there to help you get a foot in the door to play pro. It might not be a huge deal but it will give a chance to start your basketball career or to rebuild it..

What is the difference between playing in Europe and where you played before coming to Europe?
The difference is that the game here is a  slower but it is still physical, you have to adjust the o custom of the Europe basketball. It more team concepts on offense and team defense. Where I played before in Canada and USA was fast pace and more individual basketball playing style..

How did the days look for you at Europe Basketball Academy? Describe the regular day you were going through? Describe what new you learned about European basketball in Europe Basketball Academy?
6am I get up and get ready to go the gym for practice at 7am for 2 hours. Then go to the fitness center for another 1 hour. Then get ready for the second session in the afternoon for another 2hours. Between that we got lunch and dinner at night. It along day every day but you got to do it if you want to play at this level.

Your advice to players that are considering joining Europe Basketball Academy? What are values that we share? What kind of player should enter academy?
Only advice is that if you not ready to commit to work hard and be patient then this is not for you. Just be serious about playing pro basketball, cause it not as easy it sounds. Just be physical and mentally ready.

Share some interesting situations that you experienced in the academy that you will remember and that made a strong impression on you.
Just to get up every day and be ready to work hard no matter what. It was hard but I just kept pushing and went through it, be ready when the time comes cause might only get one shot.

Where you ended up after you attended Europe Basketball Academy?
I ended up signing pro contract with a team in Spain in EBA league.

Here you may write some finishing comments what you find important to share.
To be honest, it comes down to willing to sacrifice and get through the grind. No matter what, just keeping pushing eventually you get to where you want with basketball.