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The Kid from the Academy
The Basketball Africa League has found its breakout star: Lewis Igho Uvwo. At just 17 years old, the Nigerian center—shaped by NBA Academy Africa—is turning heads with Kriol Star, the tournament’s surprise package now headed to the BAL Playoffs.
Kriol Star heads to playoffs
In a thrilling overtime win against reigning champions Petro de Luanda, Uvwo delivered a performance far beyond his years: clutch rebounds, key defensive stops, and a buzzer-beating tip-in that sealed the victory and wrote history for the Cape Verdean club.
Led by brothers Ivan and Joel Almeida, Kriol Star shocked everyone by qualifying for the playoffs in their debut BAL season. And Uvwo was at the heart of it.
“I feel amazing, honestly. I didn’t think we were going to win, but I gave it everything I had,” said Uvwo after the game. “Big love to Cape Verde and to everyone supporting us. Thank you.”
The impact of the NBA Academy
The young big man credits his growth to the NBA Academy Africa, a program that changed everything for him:
“Before the Academy, I didn’t know how to play. I could block shots and grab rebounds, but my shot? Zero. I was skinny and raw. At the Academy, we trained hard, we traveled, we learned. It changed my life.”
The big Dream
For Uvwo, the BAL is more than just a competition—it’s a critical step on the path to a lifelong dream:
“I’ve always wanted to make it to the NBA. But you need stages to get there. The BAL is a platform. It’s a dream come true.”
Uvwo’s message
His message to young Africans chasing the same dream is simple and powerful:
“No matter your age, size, or background—believe in yourself and work hard. That’s it.”
With humility, hunger, and heart, Lewis Uvwo represents a new generation of African talent ready to take on the basketball world.
Kriol Star now joins US Monastir (Tunisia), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), and Al Ittihad (Egypt) in the playoff lineup. Three more spots will be filled during the Nile Conference from May 17 to 25 in Kigali, Rwanda.
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