Kpee: From sports hopper to National Team star

Favour Kpee’s journey to becoming a national basketball player is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

The 18-year-old combo guard, who stands at 6ft, discovered his love for basketball at the age of 13, despite having tried his hand at various other sports.

“I played sports like lawn-tennis, squash, football which I was good at and table-tennis before falling in love with basketball,” Kpee told PUNCH Sports Extra.

Born on August 28, 2006, Kpee’s introduction to basketball came through the influence of his friends, leading him to join the Soso Bobmanuel Foundation basketball family.

“I started basketball when I was 13 years old. I pursued basketball due to the influence of my friends. I started with the SBM Foundation basketball family,” he said.

The Port Harcourt-based player, who recently graduated from CSS Oroworukwo, credits his coaches, Soso Bobmanuel and Noble Wechie, for his development both on and off the court.

“I joined the foundation because I want to be a better person outside basketball. The foundation doesn’t only teach you basketball but other aspects of life like making me a better version of myself,” Kpee added.

Kpee’s talent quickly caught the eye of his coaches, with Bobmanuel, the founder of The SBM Foundation, recalling his first impressions of the young player.

“When he first joined The SBM Foundation, he was a raw talent but there was no denying his toughness. He let the senior players know that he’s coming for them. It didn’t take long for him to go from an intermediate to a senior player,” Bobmanuel said.

Despite his quick rise in the sport, Kpee credits his parents for their unwavering support from the beginning saying, “They did support me, and they still do.”

Despite the challenges of balancing academics and sports, Kpee has thrived, representing Nigeria in international competitions.

“One of my best moments amongst others was the first time I represented my country in the International School Sports Federation; ISF that took place in Serbia. That was in September 2022,” he revealed.

However, the journey hasn’t been without its setbacks. Kpee admitted to moments of doubt, saying, “I’m not going to lie, yes sometimes I feel like I’m targeted, especially when things don’t turn out the way you expect, even after all your preparations.”

Like every athlete, Kpee has faced his fair share of disappointments. He recalls a heartbreaking loss in a competition with his team, The SBM Foundation, against their fierce rivals. “Losing that final was one of the saddest moments for me,” he admitted. “But those setbacks push me to work harder.”

In those challenging times, Kpee finds solace in the guidance of his coach, Bobmanuel.

“He lets me understand that nothing good comes easy but we should make sure we enjoy the process,” the teenager said.

Kpee’s journey has also seen notable victories. One highlight was with the Junior National Team in Ivory Coast, where they claimed the first ticket at the Afrobasket Qualifiers 2024.

“Winning with the team was special,” Kpee said proudly. “It felt like all the hard work paid off.”

Looking ahead, Kpee has set his sights on playing college basketball overseas, with aspirations of making it to Europe and ultimately, the NBA.

“My dream is taking basketball to get to the next level in my life, playing college ball overseas, making it to Europe and of course, the NBA would be the icing on the cake,” he stated.

He draws inspiration from his role model, Golden State Warrior guard and two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry, whom he describes as “the greatest shooter to ever play the game.”

Bobmanuel believes in Kpee’s potential, saying, “With what I’m seeing, Favour has the potential to play college basketball and even go professional either in the NBA, Europe or Asia.”

For now, the young combo guard continues to develop his game while balancing his education and training in Port Harcourt. With his eyes set on the future, Kpee is undoubtedly a player to watch, and as his coaches, teammates, and family continue to support him, the sky’s the limit for this young talent.