International Focus Magazine Vol. 2, #10 | Page 47

We walk into the Toyota Center showing our press badges to be greeted by Rockets
media relations manager, Sean McCloskey. Entering the gym where the Rockets play-
ers practice, I sit down with Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, forward for NBA’s Houston
Rockets. Upon asking for his backstory, he states, “I’m a kid from the world I like to
call myself, I love the world. I came from the world, I’m a citizen of the world but
more specifically Cameroon. I was born in Cameroon, grew up there for the major-
ity of my childhood and went to France for a little bit then came back. I came here
to the U.S. when I was 14 or 15 and I was in high school for three years in Orlando.
Montverde Academy in Florida is a powerhouse now. Back then not as good, we were
good though it was the first time the coach took over and changed the program. I was
there for two years then graduated & went to UCLA for three years. I had a chance to
do three Final Fours, some amazing teams. Obviously great years, never won though
… we got close three times. I then decided to go pro so I got drafted by the Milwau-
kee Bucks, was there for five years then bounced around for two years after that went
to Sacramento (Kings), Minnesota (Timberwolves) then Philly (76ers). Finally, the last
two years have been with Los Angeles Clippers and then just signed here last summer.”
I said ‘wow!’ He said, “Yea, it’s been a pretty great journey the last nine years so I’m
excited for more.”
“And the Family as well, do you have family here?” I asked. “I have brothers and sisters
here in the U.S. My parents are still in Africa. I have a younger brother that just gradu-
ated from Cal Berkeley. My sister lives in Chicago. A brother in Philly. We’re kinda
spread out through the United States. My twin brother was here in the states and just
moved back to Cameroon. I have sisters in Europe, in Paris and a sister in London.”
“Nice!” I said, “I have family in both of those too.” He said, ‘its good, it gives me places
to visit’ I then said, “We may have a trade mission in one of those soon so we’ll have
to bring ya.” He added, “Yeah, why not!”
That brings me to a question about your foundation, Luc Mbaha Moute Basketball
Camp … is that something actively going on with the hurricane Harvey relief in-
volvements in the community? “Our focus has been overseas doing basketball camps
in developing areas, developing the kids in Africa. I just got here this past summer but
what the people of Houston have done, it shows a lot about the city, a lot about their
character. Such an amazing effort from guys on our team and guys on the football team
like JJ Watt raising money. We’re hoping in the days to come to partner up with some
of the guys here. We want to do something close to the people, what it’s like getting to
their shelter, a closer relationship to the people. We’re going to work in deciding which
direction to take and give substantially to the people. Obviously there’s a lot that can
be done.” (*UPDATE: A day after the interview they decided to join the Millennials
group in disaster relief efforts with Mayor Sylves