Al-Farouq Aminu and former Hornet Ike Diogu led Nigeria to an Olympic berth with an 88-73 win against the Dominican Republic.
While Ike Diogu led the the Nigerian offensive attack, Aminu and his five blocks kept Al Horford and the Dominican Republic from keeping pace on the other end. Aminu also wound up with a breakaway dunk which served as the dagger with just over a minute left, capping solid performance by the Hornets small forward.
You don’t see Aminu smile all that often, but he had a @#$% eating grin after the game that I firmly expect to see the remnants of for years to come. Watching the Nigerians celebrate was truly a pleasure, and I hope that you took my advice and watched the game. Otherwise you missed a truly magical moment that most will never fully appreciate.
The final line from Aminu was 14 points, 7 boards, 5 blocks, and at least a couple of assists (the box score won’t show up for me). He a couple more great defensive plays that won’t show up on the box score, but make no mistake– they happened!
(edit- Check out the recap from the official FIBA site, as well as a video recap)
I said that this game was meaningful for Aminu since it was likely the most important of his career, that after a summer of practicing and training extra hard, he needed a solid performance in a crucial game to gain some confidence heading into next season. He delivered, and as a result my optimism has grown in regard to his NBA future.
While Ike was the star on offense (likely playing himself back into the minds of NBA GM’s), Aminu was the defensive MVP. Without his perimeter and interior excellence, this game would have been a lot closer.
Congratulations to Al-Farouq Aminu, the ONLY Hornet to make the Olympics. He deserves it, and we wish him the best of luck in London.
14 responses to “Al-Farouq Aminu is Heading to the Olympics!”
Why can’t his name be translated to English on his uniform? His Jersey would read The Chief and he could change his # to 00.
And believe that some ppl still think he ain’t worth the wait…
his defense is getting better, beast mode better. Plus he made some clutch shots vs Lithuania and D.R.
Hey Joe! Congrats to Aminu! I think he finished with 7 boards (At the end of the game they listed the leaders in Rebounds and it said 7 for him). We should see the boxscore soon.
Here is a nice read: http://london2012.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/12/olym/news/p/eid/6232/nid/52693/sid/6229/article.html
It says: ”
In Nigerian, Al-Farouq means “The king has arrived” and really, that is exactly what has happened in Caracas.
When it comes to dazzling, above-the-rim plays, he lords it over everyone.
He has drawn many gasps and applause from the crowd. . . .
Al-Farouq has averaged 13 points and 5.7 rebounds in his three games.
He got off to a shaky start against Venezuela, a game that Nigeria lost, 71-69.
But in an 86-80 victory over Lithuania and an 80-79 triumph over Greece, he hit a combined 11 of 22 shots from the floor, corralled 14 rebounds and blocked a shot.
The Nigerians have grown in this tournament, and that is especially true of Al-Farouq. . . ”
Check out the rest…
Congrats to him and Nigeria for making it to the Olympics in London!
Thanks! I hate that website with a fiery passion. Combined with crappy hotel internet and I’m kind of worthless.
congrats to aminu and to the nigerian team
CONGRATULATIONS, A-FA!!!
http://www.fibatv.com/video/id/2010657 That’s the highlights for anyone whose interested and can’t really navigate the website. It’s kind of tough.
Congratulations Al-Farouq and Nigeria! Glad to see him have a coming out party. Now bring that intensity and new mode/level of play back to the NBA when it’s over.
Al Farouq really grew up in this tournament, in his first game he took a lot of jumpers, but later he realised that he was stronger going to the basket, and he did just that, using his qucikness to getto the rim, he is also a monster on defence, dude is legit, follow Al Farouq and the Nigerian team here http://nigerian-basketball.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/kings-have-arrived.htm
Ike Diogu has range now? Nice…
Grats, Chief! Make us proud.
Aminu looked liked he was doing his best Davis impersonation out there. Even blocking at least one 3pt attempt, maybe more.
That’s just gonna be scary for other teams to deal with.
farouq! farouq!
farouq is on fire.
we dont need no water.
let the motha…
The chief will arrive in London!!!