A remarkable story has emerged of David Etim, a young Nigerian basketball player who has recently been offered three scholarships to study in the United States, all thanks to an encounter with Calabar-born lawyer Faithfulness Okom.
Recounting how they crossed paths, Okom shared that he first met Etim in 2021 while driving in Calabar. It was a serendipitous moment that led to Etim being introduced to the world of basketball due to his impressive height.
As per Okom, Etim was not the only individual he encouraged to pursue basketball. He had previously identified tall individuals whom he believed had the physical attributes required for the sport and nudged them towards basketball academies.
Reflecting on the initial struggles faced by Etim, especially in convincing his bricklayer father about his newfound passion, Okom described the challenges of transitioning into a basketball career amidst familial responsibilities.
Undeterred by the hurdles, Okom supported Etim on his journey, even enrolling him in a local basketball academy to hone his skills further.
Okom’s guidance and mentorship proved vital as Etim’s dedication led him to secure a spot for trials at the NBA African Academy in Senegal, eventually leading to a scholarship offer at an American high school.
Excited about Etim’s progress, Okom revealed the essence of their journey and highlighted the recent scholarship offers extended to the 17-year-old.
Enthusiastically sharing the news, Okom disclosed, “David received three scholarship offers from esteemed institutions such as Busche Academy in New Hampshire, Episcopal High School in Houston, and Life Christian High School in Virginia.”
Furthermore, Okom, who recently proposed to his girlfriend in Valencia, Spain, expressed immense pride and fulfillment in witnessing Etim’s remarkable transformation, marking the beginning of a promising future.