How Danmutum ditched tennis court for basketball stardom

Ibrahim Danmutum’s path to basketball stardom began with an unexpected detour.

Despite his initial passion for football and later tennis, the 6’5” shooting guard found his true calling on the basketball court, thanks to a chance encounter that would change the course of his athletic career.

Boasting an impressive height, the 18-year-old from Ungwan Boro, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, initially had his sights set on a completely different sport.

“I loved playing football so much that I was in a professional academy,” Danmutum tells According Sports Extra.

“I stopped one time when I went for a screening, and they were to select five players to join Arsenal’s feeder team, but we were almost a thousand players. I sat and thought to myself, What are the chances of making it in football when virtually every kid in Nigeria does the sport?”

This realisation led him to switch to tennis, but fate had other plans. At 16, Danmutum was going for a routine tennis practice when he decided to stop by the basketball court to watch his older brother play. Little did he know that this brief pit stop would spark a lifelong passion.

“I wanted to see the basketball he is playing and always disturbing us at home about. When I got to the basketball court and watched them play, I fell in love with the game,” Danmutum tells According Sports Extra.

“I was amazed at how they got the ball into the rim from a distance.”

The following day, Danmutum approached his brother, expressing his desire to learn basketball. His journey began at Oilers Basketball Academy, where he started by rebounding for players and keeping score during pick-up games.

“I learned so much from just watching experienced players play. I was building my subconscious mind about the game, and I didn’t even know at that time,” Danmutum recalls.

A pivotal moment came when Danmutum met Hassan Abdullahi, a player he admired.

“I approached him one day and told him I wanted him to teach me basketball, and I wanted to play like him and even better,” Danmutum says.

“We laughed about it, but I was very serious deep down.

“I began to follow him to workouts; I would simply rebound the ball for him, and I had to give chest passes. The workouts began to advance with time, and that was how I got better every day. I began to work out on my own and in team practice.”

Under Abdullahi’s guidance, Danmutum’s skills rapidly improved. The young player’s dedication was evident as he endured gruelling workouts, often rebounding and passing until his hands were sore.

“I would pass the ball until my hands were so tired; at some point, it felt like punishment, but he was building me,” the teenager told our correspondent.

Danmutum’s parents recognised his passion and provided unwavering support.

“My parents always supported me, and I appreciate them so much. They would buy me basketball gear, buy me shoes, and encourage me. Treat me and take care of me when I get injured.

“I remember when I dislocated my right ankle; it was so bad I didn’t walk for two months or more. They took care of me until I recovered and got back to playing. They always pray for me, and I hope they will be here to witness me play in the NBA someday,” he told According Sports Extra.

The 18-year-old’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He recalls a particularly painful moment when a last-second turnover cost his team the Noah Dallaji basketball tournament in Kano.

“It was so painful that I cried my eyes out. That event haunted me for days, but I eventually got over it,” Danmutum said.

Despite occasional thoughts of quitting, Danmutum persevered. His dedication paid off when he was selected as one of the top 40 prospects in Africa to participate in the Basketball Without Borders Africa Camp in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2023.

“It was one of my best moments since I started basketball. Along with the first time I ever made a basket in a basketball game and the first time I dunked the ball too.”

Danmutum has already tasted success, winning several competitions with Oilers Basketball Academy Kaduna, including the Kaduna City Basketball League 2023, the GBAM Tournament 2023, and the CDS Tournament Kaduna 2024.

Drawing inspiration from his role model, Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, Danmutum has his sights set high, saying, “My dream is to play in the NBA, and my goal is to keep getting better every day.

“Curry is my role model because I love how he shoots the ball so efficiently. He changed the game.”

Balancing academics with sports was a challenge, but one that Danmutum embraced, saying, “It’s not an easy task to mix school and sports, but it is something that makes basketball players exceptional because if you want to play at a high level, you must have your grades right.”

Nkemakolam Anthony, a basketball scout, has a high belief in the potential of Danmutum, who has since graduated from ECWA Grace Covenant Schools in Kaduna, saying, “His ability to adapt and excel in different game situations speaks volumes of his potential.