Your Long Legs spotter
Dear Theresa Azibaye Mac-Dangosu,
I have written a thousand and one letters to ladies of great attributes. I usually wear my Romantic Poet’s hat when inking them.
I have called Simi, the musician, “My Spiritual Wife,” Genevieve, the thespian, “Freshly Baked Plantain Cake,” and Omosexy, “Yellow Strawberry.”
However, for the purpose of this letter, I will try to behave myself.
But in case, along the paragraphs, I slip. Just know that a more professional representation of our pillow, bed, and dining table conversation has been published on NaijaPost (dot) ng.
Now, let’s set aside your captivating physique for a moment and focus on your other exceptional qualities. As a Lagosian myself, I believe we could enjoy delightful experiences together, whether it be embarking on a boat cruise or driving around the vibrant city of Lagos.
During our time together, I would be eager to explore the origins of your grace and insightful thoughts. Do ladies born in Port Harcourt possess such mesmerizing attributes, or is it perhaps those hailing from Bayelsa state?
Our interactions thus far, whether through vibrant conversations or engaging calls, have left me awestruck by all that you’ve shared with me. It is truly remarkable that you’ve been involved in the world of basketball since 2010 and have had the privilege of representing your country while traveling to various countries, including America, where you pursued your BA degree in English language (with a minor in professional communication, though not officially certified).
Your words, whispered sweetly into my ears, have been incredibly refreshing. Now, I feel compelled to proclaim your greatness to the world, to prophesy and spread your gospel. I hope that young individuals, such as my daughter, Andrea Ediale, will consider a career path in basketball or another sport inspired by your journey.
You spoke of playing for the country during multiple FIBA 3×3 National team assignments and having professional experiences in Ivory Coast, Kenya (at the last FIBA African Clubs Championship in Mozambique), Iran, and currently playing for First Bank of Nigeria Women’s basketball team in Lagos. Your openness to offers from coaches, agents, and teams across Africa, Asia, and Europe showcases your ambition and dedication to the sport.
However, I am curious to know how it all began for you. It is quite fascinating that despite your initial interest in the game, you lacked the deep passion necessary to pursue a career in basketball, perhaps due to a lack of knowledge regarding the game’s benefits and life-changing lessons it could offer.
You mentioned sharing your aspirations to play basketball with your sister and father. Initially, you were drawn to the game by the style and demeanor of the players, so your sister took you to the Old Parade Ground Area 10 in Garki, Abuja, where it all began. At first, you attended team practices only on Saturdays, oblivious to the fact that the other players worked out and practiced every day. However, everything changed when you witnessed some of your teammates receiving i20 scholarships (high school or college scholarships in America) and leaving one after another.
It was at that point you decided to take the game seriously. You immersed yourself in basketball, dedicating yourself fully in the hopes of securing a much-needed scholarship.
In 2013, you attended the Ejike Ugboaja basketball camp in Atlanta, but unfortunately, an ankle injury sustained on the first day prevented you from securing any scholarships.
Devastated by this setback, it is akin to a guy wearing his best Christmas Boxer to a sleepover date, only to have it tear apart on the way, on Okada. The only way forward would be to regroup and seize another opportunity. And that’s exactky what you did.
Fortunately, in 2014, you obtained a scholarship that enabled you to travel to the United States. There, you obtained your degree and, upon your return to Nigeria in 2019, you began to develop a broader sense of the market. You capitalized on the available opportunities, joining the 3×3 national team, and other doors opened for you. The rest, as they say, is history.
Playing for different teams has demonstrated your versatility as a player, highlighting your potential for growth and improvement. It has provided you with the opportunity to witness the world, basketball, and its people through a different lens. You’ve come to realize that everyone holds valid values, sentiments, and beliefs, even if they differ from your own. Such experiences have fostered a deep respect for these varying perspectives, as long as they do not undermine your own beliefs and values. Living in diverse cultures has enhanced your understanding of others’ emotions, making it easier for you to adapt to different situations and connect with people.
As a professional player, you possess certain strengths that have contributed to the success of the teams you’ve played for. Your versatility allows you to seamlessly transition between the power forward (position 3) and small forward (position 4). This adaptability proves advantageous both on offense and defense. When facing a defender who is slower and bigger, you utilize your quickness and play more on the outside as a small forward. Conversely, when matched against opponents of similar height or smaller stature, you employ your strength inside the paint. Understanding and capitalizing on your strengths as a scorer has allowed you to make a significant impact on the teams you’ve been a part of.
Your primary goal while playing for First Bank is to contribute to the team’s legacy, following in the footsteps of numerous great players who came before you. You aspire to maintain the team’s winning tradition by clinching the league title and representing the club and country in the upcoming FIBA Africa Clubs Championship. Additionally, you aim to secure victory in any other championships that come your way this year, much like you did in 2022.
It is disheartening how people often perceive sportsmen and sportswomen as uneducated individuals. However, your educational background sets you apart, instilling confidence and enabling you to navigate both on and off the court. You possess a well-rounded understanding of your surroundings, behaving like a knowledgeable individual. Recognizing that sports is temporary, you emphasize the importance of education for athletes. Obtaining an education, regardless of the field, will greatly benefit us in the long run.
Your advice to young players is to remain committed to their dreams, never letting themselves or their parents down. Your parents believed in you, placing their trust in your pursuit of a career in sports. You encourage aspiring athletes to utilize the internet to their advantage, leveraging the wealth of workout videos available online. Emphasizing the significance of working smartly rather than solely relying on hard work, you stress the importance of perseverance. “Giving up is far more challenging than overcoming the obstacles you may face. Fear should not hold you back, as the world is yours to conquer”.
Your Long Legs spotter
Ediale Kingsley
PS: See shape !!!