By: Bubacarr Fallaboweh
Florida State University has added Alhagie Waka Mbatch to their Division One basketball team. Mbatch, a 6 ft 10 inches all-around player, joins the team’s roster as he embarks on a new page in his career.
The 19 year can play in four different positions (Shooting guard, Small forward, power forward, and Centre)
The Florida scouts were impressed by his height, all-rounder qualities, shooting, dribbling, and dunking.
The president of Hope Basketball Academy, Muhammed Njie, told the Alkamba Sports desk that he had mixed feelings concerning the move.
“Normally, Division One doesn’t take players from Africa straight; it’s rare. The scouting is from high school. I am not surprised that he reached where he is because he is talented, disciplined, and determined.” Njie mentioned
Hope Academy’s growth beyond the sub-region was recognized when Pateh participated in the International Basketball Federation ( FIBA) African Regional Youth Camps in Morocco last year.
President Njie says Waka is an inspiration already.
“Waka is inspiring a lot in the Gambia right now. All want to have scholarships and play at a higher level. Alhagie, the first boy from the Gambia to have that scholarship, inspired and kept everyone dreaming and believing they could make it. In the coming years, many kids will attend different high schools in the States,” he added.
