VITALIS Chikoko, the Germany-based Zimbabwean basketball star moved a step closer towards making history by becoming the first locally bred player to play in the lucrative NBA, after making the 2013 NBA Draft.
REPORT BY DANIEL NHAKANISO
The NBA Draft is an annual event in which the 30 franchises in the NBA select new players for their teams.
The 2013 NBA Draft was held at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York on Thursday and Chikoko’s name emerged among the 100 hopefuls who were hoping to attract NBA franchises ahead of next season.
While Chikoko might have missed out on selection this year, his name’s appearance on the draft significantly boosts his chances of making the cut in the NBA in the near future, as no player may sign with the NBA until he has been eligible for at least one draft.
Two years ago Chikoko (22), completed a dream move from local side Mbare Heat to German Bundesliga side BG Göttingen before switching base to fellow German topflight side TBB Trier last season.
While at TBB Trier Chikoko has received rave reviews in the German media, who believe he is one of the brightest prospects in the German Bundesliga.
Donning the number 23 jersey popularised by legend Michael Jordan, Chikoko has also won the admiration of his coaches and teammates at TBB Trier.
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DraftExpress.com compiled a glowing profile for the Zimbabwe international center forward who is ranked 71st from the 100 hopefuls.
