The journey of Awuol Atem becoming Nakuball’s Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Awuol Atem during their match against Kabarak Royals at the RVNP grounds.
As the 2024 season drew to a close, one thing was clear: the title of Most Valuable Player was never up for grabs.
There are players who shine brightly and others who shine with quiet intensity. Awuol Atem is the latter. With unrivalled skill and a relentless work ethic, he has earned his place among the league's best.
It all started for Atem at Stafford High School in 2019. It was during this time that he developed a real passion for sports first trying out in football, but he often suffered ankle injuries.
As time went on, his interest in the sport waned and one of his classmates introduced him to basketball. It was love at first sight.
Awuol Atem taking a free throw in their game against RVNP at the Menengai High School ground.
"In high school, basketball was the game to play. We would go to tournaments and all the girls at the time loved being around basketball players. So why not? During that time, we managed to go to the East African Games in Arusha, Tanzania, and that remains one of my fondest basketball memories," he says.
The power forward notes that basketball has had a huge impact on his life over the past six years, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
"Basketball has been an integral part of my journey. Even after high school, when I came to campus, I knew I still wanted to play basketball. So when I got to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, I knew I had to incorporate basketball into my life," he says.
"After school, the biggest challenge I faced was finding a place to train. Nakuru doesn't have a public court and the only facility available is the Menengai High School basketball court, which is only available for a limited time because we have to share it with the high school students," he explains.
Despite these challenges, he attributes his success to dedication and consistency, which has seen him emerge as the most valuable player in the league.
"I have always believed that if you put in the work, the game will reward you. I have always worked hard to be the best, especially when it comes to basketball. So when I was voted MVP, I wasn't really surprised," he said.
"My goal last season was simply to beat the Rift Valley National Polytechnic (RVNP) team. And I knew it was possible because I had a strong team behind me," he says.
Atem appreciates the support he receives from his family and prays that he never suffers a career-ending injury as he aspires to play basketball professionally in the long run.
"Outside of the game, I enjoy relaxing at home with my siblings. As a student, I have to admit that it can be difficult to balance basketball and academics, but if it's something you love, you always find a way," he says.
He believes that competitions like Nakuball play an important role in the growth of basketball in Nakuru and hopes that in the long run, organisers of such tournaments will introduce cash prizes to further motivate players.
Awuol Atem taking a free throw in their game against Kabarak Royals at RVNP ground.
"I would also like to appeal to the government to provide a public basketball court as soon as possible. Because at the moment, if Menengai High School and the campuses decide to lock their doors and prevent us from training or using their courts for tournaments, we have nowhere to play basketball," he laments.