Emmanuel Ouedraogo Q&A

Credit: @ballersbridge (IG)

After eye-catching experiences at both the FIBA U16 AfroBasket and Overtime Elite preseason games, Pro Insight’s David Hendren connected with the ‘30 big Emmanuel Ouedraogo to discuss his basketball journey, his decision to come to the states and transfer to Wilson Academy (GA), the transition both on and off the floor in a new country, his interests off the floor, and much more.

For the next installment of the Pro Insight Q&A series, we present 2030 prospect and Ivory Coast native, Emmanuel Ouedraogo:

Pro Insight: First of all, please go ahead and introduce yourself.

Emmanuel Ouedraogo: My name is Emmanuel Ouedraogo. I’m from the Ivory Coast. I go to Wilson Academy (GA) and I’m in the class of 2030.

PI: Can you talk a bit about your basketball journey and how you got started playing?

EO: I started playing basketball two years ago and I’m excited to come to America and keep practicing my skills. I’m also excited to be at Wilson Academy.

PI: Talk to us about how the opportunity at Wilson Academy came about and how the transition has been going so far.

EO: It was because of my coaches back home. He was in contact with the school and he helped to get me a scholarship to come play basketball. 

PI: Can you describe the Ivory Coast basketball culture?

EO: I practice more in the United States than back home; we didn’t practice a lot. That’s been a difference between the Ivory Coast and the United States.

PI: What have been the biggest adjustments both on the floor and off the floor since coming to the United States? 

EO: The biggest change on the floor is the court is inside. Back home, the court is outside. In America, you have to study to play basketball and that is not the same in the Ivory Coast. You can play basketball and do other things back home.  

PI: Who are some of  your basketball mentors? Who are some of your favorite players to watch?

EO: My favorite player is LeBron James. I also like to watch Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic.

PI: Why is LeBron James your favorite player? What stands out about him?

EO: I like LeBron James because of his mindset; the way he’s focused, the way he plays, and the way he is on the court and off the court. 

PI: Outside of basketball, did you play any other sports growing up? 

EO: I played soccer.

PI: What drew you specifically to basketball?

EO: I was drawn to basketball because of my big brother. I was playing soccer and I was growing up quickly. People were telling me to start playing basketball and when my brother was playing basketball, I decided to play basketball, too. 

PI: What level did your brother get to playing basketball? Did he make it to the high school or college level?

EO: My big brother played at the high school equivalent level in the Ivory Coast.

PI: For someone who hasn’t seen you play before, how would you describe your game? How do you impact winning?

EO: My strengths are playing defense, getting rebounds and blocking shots. 

PI: Which specific parts of your game are you trying to really improve? 

EO: I want to work on my ball handling and defense. 

PI: You recently played at FIBA U16 AfroBasket – talk about winning that tournament and that experience as a whole. 

EO: I was very excited because I was playing with my friends back home. We were working so hard and preparing to play in the championship. We were determined to win the championship. 

PI: Any players from the Ivory Coast you still stay in touch with? 

EO: Everyone. I talk to my old teammates everyday. 

PI: Describe your personality off the floor.

EO: Off the court, I’m funny. I play too much. 

PI: What do you like to do in your free time? 

EO: I like to play video games and talk to my family. 

PI: What are your favorite video games?

EO: I like Call of Duty and NBA 2K. 

PI: What is your favorite food or snack?

EO: Back home, it is garba, which is a dish made of fish and corn. In America, I like hamburgers. 

PI: What is your favorite TV show or movie?

EO: My favorite TV show is Power Book.

PI: Who are your favorite music artists?

EO: I like Gunna and Drake. Back home, I listen to Gbegbe. 

PI: Last question – what is your dream career outside of pursuing professional basketball?

EO: I grew up interested in working in banks, so being an accountant.