Ado Salisu
Former Nigeria international and NBA veteran, Olumide Oyedeji, has welcomed the election of former NBA center Hasheem Thabeet as President of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF), describing it as a significant turning point for the sport in the East African nation.
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Oyedeji, who serves as an NBA and FIBA ambassador and is also a former board member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, said Thabeet’s emergence reflects a growing trend of former NBA stars returning home to contribute to basketball development off the court.
“About time for former NBA players to take their talent back home and develop talent,” Oyedeji said. “This will bring more blessings to their country and community.”
Thabeet was elected in Dodoma following an electoral process conducted in accordance with the federation’s constitutional provisions, ushering in a new executive team tasked with revitalising basketball in Tanzania.
Other officials elected include Mohamed Haruna Kasui as Vice President, Fiston Kabinda as Secretary General, and Simon Joe Mirondo as Deputy Secretary General.
From NBA Trailblazer to Basketball Administrator
Born Hashim Thabit Manka on February 16, 1987, Thabeet rose to international prominence during his college career with the University of Connecticut Huskies. His outstanding performances earned him selection as the second overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, making him the first Tanzanian-born player to compete in the NBA.
During his professional career, Thabeet featured for several NBA teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
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One of his standout moments came in 2012 with Oklahoma City, when he recorded his first career double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds in a convincing victory over Charlotte.
He also spent time in the NBA Development League with the Dakota Wizards, gaining valuable experience during his early professional years.
Currently, Thabeet plays for Dar City in the Basketball Africa League while transitioning into basketball leadership.
Growing Trend of Former NBA Stars in Leadership
Thabeet’s appointment adds him to a growing list of former NBA players who have taken leadership roles in basketball governance globally. Notable examples include Yao Ming of China, Andrei Kirilenko of Russia, Hedo Turkoglu of Turkey, Jorge Garbajosa of Spain, and Nikola Pekovic of Montenegro.
Oyedeji noted that such transitions represent a broader shift in African basketball, with former players leveraging their global experience to strengthen domestic structures, develop grassroots talent, and improve competitiveness on the international stage.
For many stakeholders, Thabeet’s emergence signals renewed optimism and a “new dawn” for Tanzanian basketball as the federation seeks to build a stronger future for the sport.
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