Fifteen-year-old David Etim’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of mentorship. Formerly just another street child navigating the bustling streets of Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, David’s life took a remarkable turn thanks to an encounter with Faithfulness Okom, a lawyer and basketball enthusiast
It was on the streets of Marian, a hub for street kids, where fate intervened. Okom spotted David, a tall and lanky figure, and struck up a conversation that would change the course of David’s life forever. Despite his humble background and responsibilities assisting his father in bricklaying, David had a passion for basketball, a sport he had recently taken up.
“He came to my house, and I showed him old videos of @Giannis_An34 when he was a scruffy hustling kid, tried to motivate him, and gave him a suitcase of clothes (which his dad eventually burned out of jealousy),” Okom shared in an X post, which has drawn a torrent of views and reactions.
With Okom’s guidance and support, David’s journey from the streets to the basketball court began. Despite initial resistance from his father, David found a new home with Okom’s family, where he could pursue his dreams without hindrance.
Under the mentorship of Frank John and the support of Prince John Owhe of the OCAS Foundation, David flourished in the world of basketball. His talent and dedication caught the attention of scouts and coaches, leading to an invitation to showcase his skills at the NBA Africa Academy in Senegal.
David’s performance at the academy exceeded expectations, earning him not just praise but also three coveted scholarships to prestigious US colleges.
“He bagged those scholarships through his performances, which dazzled the coaches within the network of Mr Prince John Owhe. Mr Owhe and Mr Frank kept sending his videos to scouts and coaches from around the world but the NBA Africa Academy showcase made all the difference. He impressed everyone there,” the post went on.
David’s journey from a struggling street child to a promising basketball sensation serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the transformative power of opportunity and mentorship in changing lives.
Fifteen-year-old David Etim's life drastically changed when Faithfulness Okom, a lawyer and basketball enthusiast, spotted him on the streets of Calabar, Nigeria. This chance encounter led Okom to mentor David, nurturing his passion for basketball despite resistance from David's father. Okom provided support, including a suitcase of clothes, which unfortunately, David's father destroyed out of jealousy. Nevertheless, David moved in with Okom's family to fully pursue his basketball dreams.
With the mentorship of Frank John and support from Prince John Owhe of the OCAS Foundation, David's talent blossomed, earning him an invitation to the NBA Africa Academy in Senegal. His exceptional performance there secured him three scholarships to prestigious US colleges. David's transformation from a street child to a promising basketball talent underscores the profound impact of mentorship and opportunities in altering the course of lives.
