Philadelphia 76ers (DR) / New Orleans Pelicans (DR)
By Guillaume K. | Sports journalist
Born in Belgium, it was in Yaoundé that Yves Missi grew up and discovered basketball. Today considered an important player in the Pelicans rotation, he has just spoken about the Cameroonian diaspora in the NBA.
In recent years, France has established itself as the other basketball country behind the United States. In addition to the number of players who are now drafted by franchises NBAour national selections are also references on the FIBA scene. During the Paris Olympic Games, for example, both girls and boys walked away with a silver medal!
On another scale, on the African continent, there is also a nation that stands out from the others. Indeed, for more than 10 years, Cameroon has produced some great players. The best known and best is obviously Joel Embiidformer MVP and franchise player in Philadelphia. He is accompanied by his compatriots Pascal Siakam and Christian Koloko, current replacement pivot for the Lakers.
Yves Missi talks about the Cameroonian connection in the NBA
And on the New Orleans side, there is another Indomitable Lion who is making waves. Yves Missi was born in Belgium, grew up in Yaoundé, and he is currently averaging 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds with the Pelicans. Passing through beIN Sportshe spoke about his relationship with his compatriots in the league:
I had the chance to meet all the Cameroonians in the NBA. I recently played against Pascal Siakam and Christian Koloko, so it’s pretty amazing to play against guys that I looked up to when I was young. These are guys I spoke to and now I find myself on the same grounds as them. Only Joel Embiid remains, who I was able to see when I was still in high school.
I went to see him play and had the opportunity to chat a little with him. It’s always amazing to have other Cameroonian basketball players and mentors in the league. With guys I know more like Christian Koloko, it’s possible that we go to eat together before a match, but that’s not the case with Embiid and Siakam, with whom I have no contact.
We know that the French in the NBA are very close to each other and that they like to spend time together when they have the opportunity. This is obviously not the case for Cameroonians, as Yves Missi tells us. It must be said that Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam occupy important roles in teams that want to be ambitious, they must have other things to manage.
Yves Missi had the chance to meet Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid, but he has not yet developed real relationships with his compatriots. However, it would be a good thing to continue to develop basketball on the continent.
