At Madison Square Garden, we met with Clint Capela of the Houston Rockets. Back with the team where his NBA career began, the center spoke about his return to Texas, his diverse roots, and the importance of maintaining his performance as a veteran in the league.
Returning to the Rockets
Capela’s return to Houston this season has been a homecoming filled with nostalgia. For the big man, wearing the Rockets jersey again is about more than just a uniform; it’s about the culture of the franchise.
“It brings back so many memories, great memories, so it’s really a pleasure to wear this Houston jersey because I know it’s a great team and there’s this fighting spirit this team has every night.”
A Mix of Cultures
Born in Switzerland with parents from Angola and Congo, Capela represents a global perspective that he carries with him in the locker room. Now a dozen years into his American journey, he reflects on how these roots have shaped him.
“I grew up with a Congolese mother, my father is Angolan, so it’s part of me. Even though I was born in Switzerland, Europe. So I had a little bit of everything, a mix of African and European. And now, I’ve been in the States for almost twelve years, so I’ve got a bit of that American culture too.”
The Growth of the Game
As the Basketball Africa League (BAL) enters its sixth season, Capela sees it as a vital bridge for the next generation. He also touched upon the “French secret”—the willingness of young players to leave home early to find success.
“It’s really great to see real progress in Africa, especially with basketball, giving young people there a chance to achieve their dreams… Today, young French players aren’t afraid to leave early to give themselves a shot at making the NBA.”
The Secret to Longevity
Now over the age of 30, Capela is focused on the discipline required to stay at the top of his game. For him, the key is a balance of hard work and remembering the original dream.
“It’s important to have a good routine, to rest well and to train a lot, a lot. Every day, always dedicate time to staying in shape and just always keep that enjoyment, because it’s something special. So it’s important to remember that at the core, many of us dreamed of being here. So, you have to keep going.”
