Johannesburg – The NBA Africa Game at the Ellis Park Arena on Saturday, will be about inspiring a new generation of African basketball players according to NBA player Kenneth Faried.
Tickets for the contest between an Africa All Stars team (players born in Africa) and a World team, consisting of NBA players will do battle in an exhibition match at the 60 000-seater venue were quickly sold-out.
“I’ve always looked up to guys who came before me like Dennis Rodman who is one of my big favourites,” said Faried in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
“I liked watching Charles Oakley back in the day, Patrick Ewing and the list goes on. There have been so many greats who came before me and paved the way for me.
“My whole thing is about giving it back, showing the kids that they can make it no matter where you come from. My roots are from Africa and Jamaica, I’m happy to be out here just for the support for my dad. I came out here with an open mind, I know the history. But coming out here for me is about being involved with the community.”
Faried promised an all-out performance in the match for the fans.
“I tell everybody I don’t know how to take it easy. It’s either I don’t play, or I do and I give it my all. I’m gonna throw dunks, I’m going to give the fans what they want. I know what they want, and I’m gonna give it to them.”
Faried will be part of a strong US team also featuring Bradley Beal, Trey Burke and captain Chris Paul.
“Half of my roots are here from my dad’s side, I’m basically from Africa by association.
My mom is Jamaican so I’m not going to play for either one, so I’m going to play it safe and play for the US.
Faried, 25, plays for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA said it had been refreshing to find out he had fans in South Africa.
“This game has huge significance. It helps us grow as a community and an organisation. I didn’t think I had a big fan base out here in Africa, and a lot of people have been cheering for me since I showed up. That’s just amazing, it makes me smile.”
Faried was selected 22nd overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2011 NBA Draft, and the player was promptly named in the 2012 NBA All-Rookie First team. He won a gold medal in the 2014 Fiba World Cup in Spain where he was also named in the All-Tournament Team. - ANA