In the year 2016, the United Kingdom announced its departure from the European Union and Trump was elected president of the United States. “Britain and the United States dreamed of retrieving a purer and more superior glorious past.” Time magazine wrote in the article in the same issue, whether it was the British Brexiteers who clamored for "Driving away immigrants" or President Trump's public statement that Islamic countries are "malignant tumors" have brought multiculturalism, which is regarded as the highest value in the world, to an unprecedented low. White supremacy, the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazis in the United States Waves of unrest have set off in various places, and many cases of white police officers excessively targeting black people in law enforcement have raised racial antagonisms.
But fortunately, although the flame of multiculturalism has waned in some places under the Trump era, it is still rising on the sports field. In the past, the NBA has always been dominated by African-American players, who still make up the majority today. However, with the NBA's open policy and the pace of globalization, more and more foreign players have come to the United States to challenge the highest court of basketball. Among them, Let’s take a look at this season’s Most Valuable Player rankings, and the number one spot is “Antetokounmpo”Giannis Antetokounmpo(Nigerian) from Greece, and in addition, ranked seventhJoel Embiidis from Cameroon, once again showing that international black players have become a new force in the league.
Traveling across the ocean to realize dreams
Outside the United States, football is the most popular sport in the world. According to surveys of primary school students in Japan in 2018, the United Kingdom in 2016, and Germany in 2015, the number one career they want to pursue is becoming a professional football player. Becoming a professional footballer was originally Nene's goal. "I live in Brazil and have football in my body. I also dream of playing in the Premier League or La Liga." Even though his father was a professional basketball player, Tony Parker initially wanted to play football. Professional football, "When I was young, I wanted to play football wholeheartedly. I felt that playing football was more free and unrestrained." But Nene and Parker were both attracted by NBA superstars. Parker, like many fans, was fascinated by Michael Jordan and watched every game with his brothers. During the Bulls game, "I became an avid Bulls fan and determined to challenge the NBA." When Nene celebrated her 13th birthday, she saw the Sonics against the Bulls at a friend's house, but it was not Jordan she fell in love with, but Jordan. Shawn Kemp, "At that time, my friend said that I played like Kemp and gave me a player card of Kemp. I still keep it in my wallet."
Also born in Europe, Clint Capela also wanted to develop into football and was more active in looking for opportunities. However, Capela's height exceeded 190 centimeters at the age of 13. At that time, the football team coach told him that he was more suitable to develop into a defender, but Capela preferred forwards who could sprint quickly. At this time, his friend suggested that he try basketball. "My friend told me that basketball is sprinting throughout the game, which is more exciting than football. I thought it was very interesting, so I decided to give it a try."
Many players come to the United States not to dream of such lofty things, but to make a simpler living. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has shined this season, is one of them. Antetokounmpo's parents are Nigerians and became refugees after smuggling to Greece. Therefore, they lived in extreme poverty. When Antetokounmpo was a child, he and his brothers went to the streets to sell watches, glasses and other items. Despite the hardship in life, Antetokounmpo's mother insisted that her children receive an education. Antetokounmpo was also exposed to basketball in school. However, soon after, her mother, who was the pillar of support in the family, fell ill. "At that time, I thought to myself, it is time for me to take up the responsibility of the family. "Although Antetokounmpo's academic performance was not bad, as his figure became more and more outstanding, Antetokounmpo's basketball performance became more and more outstanding. With his father's encouragement, Antetokounmpo decided to go across the ocean to the United States to challenge the NBA. "When I came to the United States, I didn't have much talent. My big ambition is to give my family a better life."
The reason why Serge Ibaka embarked on basketball is very similar to Antetokounmpo. Ibaka was born in the Republic of Congo. The local environment was harsh. Many children spent their childhood suffering from malnutrition. Ibaka was one of them. He also used to sell food on the street. Water was exchanged for a meal. Ibaka’s parents were both basketball players and members of the national team. They also saw potential in Ibaka. “My parents encouraged me to challenge others, and I also vowed to play abroad.” However, the real force was Ibaka's wholehearted pursuit of a basketball career was met with setbacks one after another. His mother died young and his father was detained as a political prisoner. Ibaka was forced to live on the streets, and was finally rescued by his grandmother. Ibaka did not give up basketball because of this. He trained his physical fitness alone and took every opportunity to strengthen his skills. Finally, he was favored by a Spanish professional team and took the first step in professional basketball.
Compared to Antetokounmpo's simple reasons, Embiid's path is more in line with most people's imagination. Embiid’s original goal was to go to Europe to become a professional volleyball player, but by chance he participated in a basketball training camp organized by the NBA in Africa. Embiid was discovered by Mbah a Moute to have great potential, and Embiid became obsessed with basketball. " His size, touch and flexibility are simply a player created by God for basketball." Mbah a Moute said, and helped him connect with the University of Kansas to set foot in the United States to pursue his basketball dream.
