Islanders Sign Two U.S.-based Basketballers

Two Nigerian America-born basketballers, Ben Uzoh and Jason Ebie have been signed by Islanders Basketball Club of Lagos to beef up the team as part of its effort to excel in the Nigerian Basketball League this season.

Speaking with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed international Airport, Lagos, on Thursday, Uzoh, who represented Nigeria in the men’s basketball event at the London 2012 Olympics Games, said that playing for Islanders would give him another privilege of improving the standard of the Nigerian basketball.

He added that he would work hard to be among the players that would be invited to camp in preparation for the fourth coming AFRO Nations Cup Championship and the All Africa Games later this year.

“I am happy to return to my country to participate in the basketball league. This opportunity will give me the courage to work hard and ensure Islanders excels in the league. I know Nigeria basketball league is competitive, but I would strive to be at my best.

“Having represented Nigeria at the national level, my wish is to also do best to ensure I get invited to represent the country at the AFRO Nations Cup and ALL African Games,” Uzoh said.

On his part, Ebie said that his desire to return to Nigeria and play for Islanders was another challenge for him to prove his worth in the game of basketball.

“When I received the news from my agent that I will play for Islanders Basketball Club of Lagos, I was delighted because this is a great opportunity for me to contribute my quota in developing the sport in Nigeria. My desire is to give my best to ensure Islanders excel in the league.

I will also work hard to earn invitation to the national team. I understand the league is tough in Nigeria, but this will not put me under pressure because I have been playing basketball since my formative years.

Playing in the Nigeria league will not be tough for me at this level of my career. I also have the ambition to train young ones in the game while in the country,” Ebie said.