Muhammed Jim Njie has made history by becoming the first Gambian to obtain a FIBA agent license after successfully passing the examination held in Zurich, Switzerland.
The Gambian-born basketball advocate was among 50 participants who sat for the exam, which covered sports law, regulations concerning minors, court procedures, and player representation. He also became only the second Denmark-based individual to secure the prestigious licence.
The founder of Hope Academy expressed his delight at achieving the milestone and emphasized what it could mean for the development of basketball in The Gambia.
“I am very happy to become the first Gambian to earn this license, but my goal is to see more Gambians qualify so we can have at least three agents. That will make it easier to help many young players and encourage the establishment of more academies to develop grassroots basketball.
Njie believes the presence of Gambian-certified agents will create confidence among young players and provide more opportunities for talent to be represented internationally.
“The future is bright because the more professional players we produce, the stronger our national team will become. We have many talented players in The Gambia, but access to opportunities has always been difficult. Now I can market talented players worldwide because I have access to the international database.”
Although his market extends globally, Njie insists his priority remains The Gambia.
“My focus is worldwide, but The Gambia needs these opportunities the most. The Gambia Basketball Association is trying to develop the game, but resources remain limited. Our focus now is grassroots development.”
Since relocating to Denmark, Njie has been actively involved in coaching with Falcon Basketball Academy, serving as assistant coach for the U17 team and head coach of the U23 side. However, he confirmed that he will now step away from coaching to concentrate fully on player representation following the acquisition of his FIBA license.
Njie has also played a major role in mentoring young Gambian basketball talents currently based in the United States and Europe. His long-standing contribution to basketball development includes organizing annual youth camps under the “Gambia Dream Big” initiative, aimed at empowering young people through sports and education while discouraging illegal migration.
Through initiatives such as “Basketball on Wheels,” he has visited schools to promote the importance of education alongside basketball development.
Hope Academy currently operates multiple teams, including:
- Hope SK East Men – First Division
- Hope SK East Women – First Division
- Hope Academy – Second Division
Njie also highlighted the importance of improving basketball infrastructure in The Gambia if the country hopes to attract support from organizations such as NBA Africa and FIBA.
“To attract international support, we must improve our structures and systems. The Secretary General, Alieu Nyang, is working very hard, but the league still lacks proper organization and quality facilities. The courts are not in good condition, and we continue to struggle.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, Njie explained how basketball changed his life growing up in a difficult environment.
“We grew up in a community where life was very difficult, and many young people were exposed to drugs. Sports was the only escape. I discovered basketball after passing through Charles Jaw Memorial and seeing people play. Basketball helped save my teenage years. I dedicated my life to basketball and education.”
Before becoming a licensed FIBA agent, Muhammed Jim Njie represented The Gambia at international level as a member of the national basketball team and was named in the starting five during the Zone II competition.
