Name: Mary Akinde
Hometown: Modakeke, Osun State
Height: 6-5
Position: Center
High School: Busche Academy (NH)
Graduation Class: 2025
Status: Uncommitted
Mary Akinde (Ahh·kin·day) is a 6-5 Center from Modakeke, Osun State, which is in the Southwest region of Nigeria. She's currently a sophomore at Busche Academy, a newly innovated prep basketball program in New Hampshire, and runs with the Albany Lady Stars on the AAU circuit. Akinde came to the States in January after being recruited by Busche's head coach, Isiah Anderson. I know I'm usually supposed to drop a magical intro in the lede, but Akinde nailed her interview so well that I'm just going to let her take the stage. But, I caught up with the Nigerian post in an interview on growing up in Nigeria, her first AAU experience on the circuit and outlook heading into sophomore year.
Mary Akinde Interview
When did you first start playing basketball?
“I started learning how to play basketball in 2018. Wasn't really into it as I was engaged in some things. But, I precisely started in 2019.”
Describe how you are as a player from the skill standpoint?
“I’m not there yet as I am still a player who is learning and still has a lot to understand. From not playing basketball at an early age. But, I am doing a good job in my rebounding, setting screens, rolling to the basket and putbacks."
How was life growing up in Nigeria?
“Life isn't a bed full of roses because you have to struggle for everything. Especially when you are not born with a silver spoon. You have to develop your potential yourself unless you are fortunate to meet helpers. School wise, it wasn't really easy compared to the way it is here (Busche Academy) because there were a lot of subjects you have to do and ensure you pass it. Not many students have access to the internet, use of a laptop or phone in school because of the expenses and exposure to civilization. Due to parents who believe going to school with a phone, and laptops would make the students not be serious with their academics.”
“For instance,” She continued. “I own my first laptop here in the US which was brought by Mr Brandon Goble of JUCO Advocate, and has made a lot of my school work much easier. I believe every child should also have one, and that's why one of my interests is to have a laptop drive, where new and gently used but functional laptops are collected. I’d want to send laptops to Nigeria to help students in my community so they can enjoy the accessibility of studying and doing school work with laptops. Growing up, I grew up in a small area called Kpakungu in Niger state, the north central region of Nigeria. In which the area Kpakungu, was more or less like the trenches where there is no regular electricity or it's been rotated for some couple of hours. The rest couple of hours you are left in darkness in the extreme hot weather to sleep, except you are fortunate to have generator to make use of, For some hours, you can at least cool your body temperature, and not to talk less of the stress of trekking extra miles to get water as there is no water. So in essence, it becomes survival of the fittest and a lot of us work to make ends meet. But grace to God who will always be there for us."
What’s a typical day for you at Busche?
“I wake up after 7 a.m., then I have my meditation routine and get dressed for class. Then, I have my breakfast as I am the breakfast type. I go straight to class as classes start around 8:10 a.m., and each of my four classes lasts for 45 minutes with a 5 minute interval between each class. Lunch is right after the last class at 11:25 a.m., and after I leave for practice around 11:50 a.m. which takes like 40 minutes to get to the venue of the practice. We go for about 2 hours every day, except on Tuesdays and Thursdays where we practice twice. Then, we have the weight room on Wednesdays and Fridays.”
Since you've been in the States, what are some takeaways from your experience so far?
“Good question, so far so good it's been nice, fun and I think what I like are more than the things I don't. But what I like about the states so far is a higher quality of life, a good education system, good opportunities for athletes, variety of food especially with desert and you’re always kept busy here. Also, pointing out the things in some cons is the weather varies by state, health services, certain ways of living is accepted, way too much traffic and paying tips on deliveries.”
You spent your first AAU season with the Albany Lady Stars this past summer. How was your first experience?
“It was actually my first time playing AAU and it was with the Albany Lady Stars. I must say, it was really fun, adventurous and had a really nice time with them. Playing with them gave me the opportunity to visit places I haven't been to like New York City, Atlantic City, Chicago, Louisville, Spooky Nook in Pennsylvania, and Atlanta.”
“It was a great learning and fun experience with the girls.” She continued. “The sleeplessness, sore bodies, injuries and adversity on and off the court was for the love of basketball. The great wins for the national championship and the bronze Champions at the run for roses tournament was also a highlight. I appreciate coach Twiggz Morisson for all the coaching, learning experience and opportunity to have fun even at the very least.”
You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
“First, I try to take care of my mental to make sure it's in the right state of mind at all times. If I don't, then my workout may be in vain as old tapes may keep playing in my head, and cause mental breakdowns which can affect my pursuit of greater height. As a very tall player, I do my best to stretch every part of my body to my fingers in order to improve my performance and prevent injury. I also work on my rebounding, and post moves before practice and watch YouTube videos to learn more stuff about basketball as a whole. I mostly am trying to work on my mistakes, and areas my coach (Isiah Anderson) has called my attention to.”
Which basketball player do you look up to the most and why?
“Well, I have a lot, but Giannis Antetokounmpo inspired me. Despite the struggle he and his family went through before getting to where he is now, he still never gave up for the sake of his family. Also, he can play any position under any right circumstances, and he is stubborn until he gets it right.”
Who do you look up to as role models?
“My Parents who showed me what it takes to be a person with good values and standard morals. Ambassador Jonathan Kolo, whose passion and selfless life to help others is worthy of emulation. Then, Coach Harry Ayere who never stopped to push me, others to rise and his selfless life has been an inspiration to me.”
As you’re now at the age where you’re starting to look for college basketball opportunities, what factors do you ideally look for in a college?
“I am looking for an elite college with a full scholarship. Within a calm environment where I can be able to play high level basketball, and there is a balance between basketball and academics. Also, to be with a team where we see and work together as a family to support each other, and see the growth of each person.”
Season is getting started, but what are you looking forward to in your sophomore season?
“I am looking forward to more wins, rebounds, playing good defence, good couple of blocks and pretty much everything. But, a much better effort than last year and more wins as a team.”
Thank you Mary for taking the time to talk with me this morning. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?
“No matter how many mistakes you make or the number of times you fail, keep on working on it and rising. It takes time and a chance to make it happen. But with greater effort, you will definitely get there. Also, no matter what you are doing, work everything with your mind because you never know which one will be an open door to greater height for you. To me, basketball has given me this life time opportunity and I will definitely make good use of it!"
Twitter @AkindeMary
High School Coach Information
Isiah Anderson - Email
Contact Tyreese Smith
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