“It’s every player’s dream to play in the United States,” says Chris Ekwe, a 24-year-old business management major who plans to pursue an MBA while continuing to play basketball for the Knights. “I knew that this was a good chance to come now,” he continues. “I accepted a basketball scholarship from FDU so that I could pursue a quality education in the United States.”

After a rough beginning, he has rebounded nicely. “It was difficult at first. I got a late start and had to catch up with every one else from day one,” Ekwe says, referring to his delayed entrance into the United States because of visa and passport problems coming out of Cameroon.

Ekwe, who came to FDU with significant international playing experience as a eight-year member of the Cameroon National Team, admitted that there was definitely an adjustment period, both in being at an American university and in playing Division I collegiate basketball.

“It was like a whole new world. The people are different, and the experience of coming here was overwhelming, but I know this is a great opportunity,” Ekwe says.

“The game and the academic environment here are very intense. It was more difficult because I had to adjust to both,” Ekwe says. “My main goal is to get an education. I like basketball, but you can’t play forever. That’s why I need to study. It is very difficult sometimes, but I know it will be worth it. With basketball it would be easy sometimes to not concentrate on my studies, but I focus and get it all done.”

In his first year at FDU, Ekwe was named the All-NEC Newcomer of the Year and made the Dean’s List. Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Green says, “He’s been a hard worker since day one. Whether it be in the weight room, the basketball court or the classroom, Chris gets the job done.”

“He’s a very intelligent guy and a great person,” Rob Orellana, an international recruiting specialist for FDU, says of Ekwe.

“The experience has been very good. The team and the coaches have been very helpful to me,” Ekwe says. “My exposure to another culture has made me even more open-minded about other people. I understand how those with different backgrounds are able to come together.”

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