Nigerian suits up for SBC

All Nigerian Samuel Ekwe wants is to be a Benedictine priest. And play basketball for the San Beda Lions in the NCAA on the side.

Now he’ll get his wish as the Management Committee gave him the green light to play for the Lions when they take on the Jose Rizal Bombers in the 82nd NCAA cage wars beginning Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ekwe, 21, saw action in the Fr. Martin’s Cup and the ongoing Olympic Festival where he logged in significant minutes. His NCAA eligibility, however, was later questioned by a number of participating schools.

A son of prominent government officials back home, Ekwe produced the needed documents, including a certification from the Commission on Higher Education, to help seal the NCAA Management Committee’s approval.

And it didn’t just make Ekwe happy but the rest of the San Beda community as well.

"He’s a special person on and off the court, we’re glad he’s allowed to play," said a San Beda alumnus.

San Beda team manager Mukesh Advani said the presence of Ekwe, a well-built and athletic 6-foot-8 center who plays soccer more than basketball, would help boost the Lions’ bid in their campaign this season.

Ekwe, who hopes to join the Benedictine seminary in Bukidnon a few years from now, comes from the country that produced the likes of retired NBA All-Star Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets and former PBA import Julius Nwosu, who played briefly for the San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics.