NBA and FIBA ambassador Oyedeji hails ‘New Dawn’ in Tanzania Basketball

...As Thabeet is elected Tanzania Basketball Federation President

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

Former Nigeria Basketball Federation board member Olumide Oyedeji has applauded the emergence of Hasheem Thabeet as President of the Tanzania Basketball Federation, describing it as a turning point for basketball development in the East African nation.

Oyedeji, himself a former NBA player, said Thabeet’s election signals a new dawn for Tanzanian basketball and reinforces the growing trend of ex-NBA stars returning home to build the game administratively.

“About time for former NBA players to take their talent back home and develop talent,” Oyedeji said, adding that Thabeet’s leadership would bring “more blessings to their country and community.”

Former NBA center Hasheem Thabeet was elected President of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF), ushering in what many observers describe as a fresh chapter for the sport in the East African nation.

The election, conducted in Dodoma City in line with the federation’s constitutional procedures, also produced a new executive team. 

Mohamed Haruna Kasui emerged as Vice President, Fiston Kabinda was elected Secretary General, while Simon Joe Mirondo will serve as Deputy General Secretary.

Thabeet’s emergence has drawn praise from across the continent.

Born Hashim Thabit Manka on February 16, 1987, Thabeet rose to global prominence during his college career with the UConn Huskies before being selected second overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies.

The pick made him the first Tanzanian-born player to feature in the NBA.

Though his NBA journey drew mixed reviews, particularly as he was drafted ahead of future MVPs James Harden and Stephen Curry, Thabeet carved out a career that included stints with the Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Oklahoma City Thunder.

During his rookie season in Memphis, he recorded a season-high five blocks in December 2009. 

He also became the tallest and highest-drafted player at the time to be assigned to the NBA Development League, featuring for the Dakota Wizards before earning a recall.

His most notable NBA performance came in 2012 with Oklahoma City, when he posted his first career double-double — 13 points and 10 rebounds — in a dominant win over Charlotte.

Currently playing for Dar City in the Basketball Africa League, Thabeet now transitions from the paint to the presidency, joining a growing list of former NBA players who have taken up leadership roles in basketball governance worldwide.

For Oyedeji and many stakeholders, Thabeet’s elevation represents more than a personal milestone. 

“It signals a broader shift in African basketball, one where former stars are returning home to strengthen domestic structures, nurture grassroots talent and position their nations more competitively on the global stage.” Oyedeji the scribe of World Olympicians Association stressed.

Now transitioning from the court to the boardroom, Thabeet joins a distinguished list of former NBA players who have assumed leadership roles in basketball governance. 

They include Andrei Kirilenko of Russia, Jorge Garbajosa of Spain, Yao Ming of China, Hedo Turkoglu of Turkey, Radoslav Nesterovic of Slovenia, Sam Dalembert of Haiti, Luo Deng of South Sudan, and Nikola Pekovic of Montenegro.