Waka Mbatch: Soccer, Kevin Durant, and YouTube All Lead To Florida State

TALLAHASSEE – When Florida State sophomore Waka Mbatch was announced as a starter in the Seminoles' game against West Florida, it was part of a journey that illustrated just how far he has come as a basketball player, a student-athlete, and a young man whose love of the game began from watching NBA games on YouTube.

Mbatch's journey continues Monday night as Florida State plays host to Northern Kentucky at 7:00 p.m. at the Donald L. Tucker in the season opener for both teams. The first game in the series between the Seminoles and the Norse can be seen on ACCNX. Schedule magnets will be given to the first 1,000 fans and coupons for Free Whataburger will be distributed to the first 150 students. General admission tickets start at only $5.

As a starter in the Seminoles' second of two exhibition games in preparation for the regular season, Mbatch totaled five points, two rebounds and two steals in 14 minutes of playing time.

"I have dreamed of moments like that since I began playing basketball," said Mbatch. "To be a starter in a game at Florida State University is a blessing for me. It's a great achievement and just part of my journey. I am grateful for the opportunity."

Mbatch, 19, is a relative newcomer to the sport of basketball. The native of the Republic of Gambia in West Africa began playing soccer at age five, and developed into an all-star midfielder.

"In Serekunda where I was born and raised, soccer was the popular sport and everyone played it," said Mbatch. "I played mostly as a midfielder most of the time and also striker because of my size. I played soccer for fun with my friends and classmates."

At age 14, he discovered the sport of basketball.

"My first time watching a basketball match, I saw how much fun it was," said Mbatch. "The players were so good at scoring and dribbling. I was amazed by how the players scored buckets and how they could dribble. That was my first attraction to the game of basketball."

From that moment, his family and friends encouraged him – mainly because of his height – to trade in his soccer cleats for basketball sneakers.

Unfortunately for Mbatch, there were not many courts available, and most of the courts he played on didn't have nets on the rims. The courts were made of hard cement, and the availability of basketballs was limited. The location of the courts forced him to walk, ride his bicycle, or pay for a car service to take him to practice each day.

His love for the game continued to grow as he began to learn the nuances of playing the game. The more he practiced, the better he became.

His love of the game also grew because of YouTube which introduced him to the NBA. He then had the ability to watch games, highlights, and his favorite player – Kevin Durant.

"I would watch videos on my phone, computers or any electronic devices that were available," said Mbatch. "There were many times when my friends and coaches would share their devices with me so I could watch highlights before I could get my own devices."

Durant, one of the top players in the NBA, was in the midst of leading the Golden State Warriors to NBA championships when Mbatch took notice of the superstar.

"His height, dribbling and scoring abilities are so good and those are what grabbed my attention," said Mbatch. "I have always been impressed by his skills on the court. That is why Kevin Durant has been a motivation to me."

As he begins his second season as a Seminole, Mbatch continues to grow along with his teammates.

"I'm excited to see Waka continue to grow his game as a Seminole," said associate head coach Stan Jones. "He is a young man of great character and always has an attitude of gratitude. He has genuine pride in being part of the name on the front of his jersey. As a willing worker, the game will continue to become instinctive for him. I enjoy working with Waka as he lets you push him and has a determination to become a productive player at FSU.

"His best play is still out in front of him."

Mbatch's growth and maturation continues off the court just as quickly as his improvement on the court.

He not the first member of his family to have advanced educational opportunities, but he's the first to attend a prestigious university in the United States and he's majoring in sport management.

"This opportunity has changed my life, and it means a lot to me and my family," said Mbatch. "I'm grateful to have the opportunity to attend Florida State University, to earn a degree, and play the game of basketball. I couldn't have asked for me more; my family is very happy for me. They have been the source of my encouragement, motivation and support my entire life and during my career as a basketball player.

"I am blessed to be the only one in my family to have this great opportunity to play basketball and study in college.

Mbatch is certainly making the most of his opportunities both academically and as a basketball player.

"From when I first picked up a basketball, college basketball is another level," said Mbatch. "I have learned a lot from the coaching staff and my teammates and I have become a better person, and a better player as well. I take every step possible to become better and better every day.

"I can honestly say I've become a much better player and that our coaches can rely on my capabilities to do whatever they ask of me."

Florida State University Athletics

Waka Mbatch: Soccer, Kevin Durant, and YouTube All Lead To Florida State

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