What’s up everyone! My name is Matthew Atewe, and I’m a 6’9 JR PF (2013) who’s 18 years old and attends Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg Massachusetts. I just want to let everyone know that I am honored to be given the privilege to do a blog for BasketballBuzz.
I’m just coming off a great National team experience with Team Canada. I was given the opportunity to play in both the U18 FIBA qualifiers in Brazil (finished 3rd), and in the Nike Global Challenge in Washington, D.C. (Finished 2nd). Both of these experiences would have to be the best basketball experiences that I ever had.
Just to be given the opportunity to represent my country twice in one summer is amazing. The whole journey was different from anything I ever saw or participated in. From the team dynamics, to the different cultures (within Brazil) to even signing autographs, it was just an amazing process and journey to be a part of.
The main thing that captured me the most was that within the team, there were no egos and everyone was on the same page towards our goals. Although we came up short, we played very hard and left it all on the floor (both in Brazil and at the Nike Global Challenge). I just want to thank the head coach for both teams, Roy Rana for giving me the opportunity.
I am now currently in Louisville, Kentucky playing in the Eddie Ford Bluegrass Classic. I am playing with the Northern Kings out from Toronto, Canada. I think that we got a good opportunity to do well and to make some noise by the end of July. Some players on the team include: James Sylvester, Donovan Hastings, Emmanuel Owootah and many others. We all want to do something great this summer and I think that things can get rolling starting with this tournament.
As far as recruiting, I am totally wide open, as I won’t be making a list anytime soon. I love the process, though, in contrast to other people. Just the fact that you are talking to coaches from different schools, and everyone trying to give you an idea of where you should go, is just fun and exciting for me. Just to be able to go through all of this is humbling, and I thank God for allowing all of this in my life.
That’s it for now. I’ll let you know what’s new next time!