As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfold, one name has been making headlines in women’s basketball—Ezinne Kalu. This talented point guard has been instrumental in leading Nigeria’s national team, D’Tigress, to unprecedented heights, including their historic qualification for the quarterfinals.
Early Life and College Career
Ezinne Kalu was born to Gwendolyn Covington and Joseph Kalu on June 26, 1992, in Newark, New Jersey. Her basketball journey began at Science Park High School, where she made history by becoming the first woman to score over 2,000 points. Recognizing her exceptional talent, Savannah State University offered her a full scholarship.
At Savannah State, Kalu continued to impress, leading her team to their first MEAC Championship in 2015. She set a new record as the first player in the school’s history to score over 2,000 career points, solidifying her status as a standout player. Kalu graduated with a bachelor’s degree in African Studies, balancing her academic and athletic pursuits with remarkable success.
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Professional Career
After college, Kalu embarked on a professional career that took her across Europe. She began with Clube Desportivo Torres Novas in Portugal, where she posted impressive stats, averaging 22.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. Her performance caught the attention of Olivais Coimbra, another Portuguese team, where she continued to shine with averages of 21.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
In 2017, she signed with Vasas Akademia in Hungary, where she maintained her high level of play, averaging 17.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. She then moved to Germany to play for Rutronik Stars Keltern, helping the team reach the finals of the German Championship with averages of 13.6 points and 2.5 assists.
Since 2019, Kalu has been with Landerneau BB in France. Her first season saw her averaging 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, showcasing her consistency and skill. Her accolades include being named the 2020 Guard of the Year in France’s 1st Division and earning spots on the All-Imports and All-French Player teams.
International Success with D’Tigress
Kalu’s impact extends beyond club basketball to the international stage, where she has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national team, D’Tigress. She first represented Nigeria at the 2016 FIBA women’s Olympic qualifying tournament and has since become a key player in the team’s success.
Kalu helped lead D’Tigress to three consecutive Afrobasket championships in 2017, 2019, and 2021, solidifying their dominance in Africa. At the 2019 Afrobasket, she was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), further highlighting her crucial role in the team.
Her performance at the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Spain was also notable, as she averaged 10.6 points, three rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Kalu’s leadership and playmaking abilities were instrumental in Nigeria’s strong showing at the tournament.
Paris 2024 Olympics: Making History
Kalu’s leadership and skill have been fully displayed at the 2024 Paris Olympics. D’Tigress began their campaign with a stunning victory over Australia; a team ranked much higher globally. Despite a setback against France, Kalu and her teammates bounced back with a decisive win against Canada. This victory secured their place in the quarterfinals, marking the first time an African team, men’s or women’s, has reached this stage in Olympic basketball.
The journey to the quarterfinals has been a testament to Kalu’s resilience and determination. The match against Canada was particularly intense. It started evenly, with an 18-18 tie in the first quarter. Canada pulled ahead in the second quarter, leading 41-37 at halftime.
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However, Kalu’s leadership shone through in the third quarter, where Nigeria’s defense limited Canada to just five points, turning the tide of the game. D’Tigress sealed their historic win with a dominant performance in the final quarter, securing a 79-70 victory.
A Role Model and Leader
Ezinne Kalu’s journey from Newark to the global stage of the Olympics serves as an inspiration to young athletes, particularly in Africa. Her dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent demonstrate that greatness can be achieved with perseverance. Beyond her on-court achievements, Kalu is a role model and leader, showing the next generation of players what is possible.
As D’Tigress prepares for their quarterfinal matchup, all eyes will be on Ezinne Kalu. Her skill, leadership, and indomitable spirit continue to drive Nigeria’s historic run at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Kalu and her team and sets the stage for future successes in Nigerian and African basketball.