DAKAR(Senegal) - Olympian Adebola Adeyeye, who made her debut in African club basketball at the 2024 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) suiting up for Cameroon's FAP, says the experience has made her a better player.
FAP finished third in Group A after a 1-2 performance, missing out on a ticket to the Quarter-Finals by a whisker, before winning the 11th place match 65-50 against Congo DR's ASB Makomeno.
"It has been a great experience, going to Cameroon to prepare with the team and coming to Senegal, Dakar, a wonderful city," the 25-yeard-old told FIBA.basketball.
"Being in this tournament, and playing against African teams and players has been definitely different. The physicality and style of play is different but overall it has been an amazing exposure," she
Adeyeye continued: "I am happy that these players get an opportunity to showcase their talent on a stage as big as the WBLA. There are amazing players here that the world does not get to see and I am thrilled at the attention they get to receive here," the Nigerian-Canadian who was visiting the two African countries for the first time opened up.
The former Kentucky Wildcats small forward, who played for Concorde Olympique Trith Basket Porte du Hainaut in French NF1 in the 2023/24 season, averaged 7.8 points, third highest for the side, 8.8 rebounds, second for the team and an assist in the four games.
Despite having played for the Nigerian national team D'Tigress, Adeyeye believes her experience at WBLA has changed her perspective and approach to basketball going forward.
"Sometimes physicality is frowned upon in some of the other leagues I have played in, being here has helped me learn how to be both physical and under control. The championship has helped me see how a player can be physical, quick and efficient. Blending this with my skill and technique level will definitely make me a better player," Adeyeye admitted.
The 1.88m (6ft 2in) says her experience at the Paris Olympics helped her land the call up to play in the WBLA and it was a revelation that career opportunities could spring from anywhere.
"Being in Paris was a dream. Getting to make history with the team, winning against two top teams (Australia and Canada) and competing with the USA was a representation of Africa and the talent we have here.
"When this call to join FAP came, it was a revelation that playing overseas was not the only option to grow my career, featuring for our African teams is as good a path," she added.
Having played against a Nigerian team, MFM Queens who finished in tenth place, Adeyeye was quick to note that the future of Nigerian basketball was in good hands.
"Nigerian basketball is on the rise. It gives hope for the future seeing these young players in action. As they mature and develop, playing in these tournaments to gain experience, the sky's the limit," she said adding that she was open to represent her country at club level should the opportunity arise.
FIBA