Masai Ujiri’s Love for the game of Basketball might have changed his life forever, but growing up and playing in Nigeria left an undeniable legacy.

Growing up in Africa, there’s some sports that are almost always sure to quickly reel kids in. Soccer is one of those, and regardless of how long the relationship with the game lasts, it most certainly is quite a fulfilling experience till “other fun sports” show up and replace the feeling, sometimes too aggressively and eventually have one hooked.  Ujiri’s story isn’t any different.

“The talent was more in soccer and then at12-13 years I fell in love with basketball” Ujiri recounts, while speaking to Alan Kasujja of Africa Daily.

Born to Nigerian-Kenyan parents in England and moving back to Nigeria aged two, Masai Ujiri experienced that classic African Childhood living and growing in Zaria, Nigeria. And just like many children his age, he played soccer immediately he could use his feet and even took it to association level. But this love would be short-lived as he’d go on to fall in love with a new sport that would make him who we know him to be today.

Masai Ujiri: The very first and only African Born President of a professional sports franchise in North America. And for the lovers of the game in Africa, his name should ring a bell as he is also the president of “Giants of Africa” basketball.

Are you looking forward to being drafted into the NBA? Masai might be your go to guy as he’s been there, done that. Having played, scouted, been an agent and now a president of the Toronto Raptors, he knows the ways of the winners and even recently registered an NBA Championship during his tenure as president of the Raptors in 2019.

But like all athletes Masai has got his source of inspiration, drive and motivations. Even though he grew professionally in the different disciplines of the game, Ujiri’s inspiration had to start somewhere. And yet again, here goes your stereotypical basketball fan youth. Big posters of the big names in basketball, magazinetear-outs, basketball magazines, Jordan’s, obviously a basketball. Ujiri didn’t skip a stage when it came to his obsession with the game. Despite not being as good at the game, he was motivated to be better each day and within no time, basketball opened up opportunities for him out of Africa. Ujiri played at Bismarck State College, in North Dakota for two years after his family emigrated to the US.

“I wasn’t good enoughbut it led me to come to school in the states, and have somewhat of an education, created a path for me to play in Europe”

While his successes as a basketball player in Europe enabled him set his eyes on the big prize, the NBA,Masai has only soared higher from there to the extent of winning an NBA championship with a team from outside the US.

Many a time Ujiri hasexpressed how turning African athletes into copies of himself or even better, is such a responsibility and a burden that he has taken on and its no walk inthe park for him. As the first African executive in the NBA, Masai has gotquite the weight on his shoulders and he’s not backing down.

“Being from the continent of Africa I put the weight of all African youth and athletes on my shoulders and try to get them to be in a position like I am in today."

 Africa could be more ifwe recognized the game as an ecosystem.

Whereas Ujiri recognizes the growing love for the game on the continent of Africa and is at the forefrontof pioneering the growth of the game through Giants of Africa and similarprograms, he strongly believes that the narrative of basketball needs tochange. And he points out a need for proper sports infrastructure even for thegame of basketball.

“We don’t think about sports in Africa as a business, we still think of sports asrecreation and competition alone.” “How are we forming an ecosystem here wheresports are that generator, economic engine, just like it is in the US” MasaiUjiri.

 The success of the gameas an economic engine strongly relies on the infrastructure such as arenas which would strongly boost African talent in other industries as well such asthe entertainment and fashion industries.

“Whereare we making the center of sports? where are we making the center of music? There should be leagues being played in all these infrastructure and arenas,comedy shows”, “I see Burna Boy selling out Madison square garden, or Davido or Diamond Platinumz or Tiwa Savage”

 Starting out, Ujiri’s professional career in management in the basketball sport began with him as an international scout with the focus on Africa. And boy, has there been a payoff! Masai’s internationally sourced athletes and mentees have proven beyond exceptional.

 Pascal Siakam a Raptor, a2-time All-NBA and 2-time All Star, as well as Joel Embiid of the Nuggets whois the current MVP of the NBA both grew up on the continent of Africa and participated in the Basketball without borders camps held in Africa all thanksto Masai Ujiri.

The Raptors, under Masai's leadership, brought in their starting power forward Serge Ibaka from Congo, a seasoned nine-year veteran who's been a crucial mentor for our young players, both on and off the court.

 In the 2016 NBA draft, Masai drafted Pascal Siakam, hailing from Cameroon and selected 27th overall. Siakam has evolved into a vital bench presence, stepping up at the end ofquarters and achieving career highs in points and rebounds.

 Masai's journey in the NBA started when the Denver Nuggets hired him as an international scout. Starting as an unpaid scout, he climbed the ranks with unwavering commitment. The Raptors recognized his dedication, initially appointing him as their Director of Global Scouting in 2006. In 2008, he earned a promotion to Assistant General Manager. After a brief return to the Nuggets, he became their executive vice president in charge of basketball operations in 2010. Finally, he assumed the role of GM and eventually president of the Toronto Raptors, where he has thrived ever since.

 Beyond the court, Masai's commitment to his homeland and the continent shines through. He directs the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders Africa program, a platform uniting young basketball players for skill development camps that emphasize not just basketball skills but also leadership and personal relations.

 His success off thecourt mirrors the team's on-court triumphs. Awarded the NBA Executive of the Year in 2013 with the Denver Nuggets, Masai has steered the Raptors to a consistent record of at least 50 wins each year since joining in 2013, marking consecutive playoff appearances and a legacy of excellence.