In 2022, Cal State Fullerton’s men’s basketball team made it to the NCAA for the fourth time in university history, largely due to star player E.J. Anosike, a 6-foot-7-inch Nigerian American MBA student from the College of Business and Economics.
For the past two years, Anosike has been bringing his professional basketball talent to audiences from Western Europe to China to Africa.
Anosike shared some of the highlights of his global career thus far and his plans for the future — off the court and on.
People tend to think of basketball as a U.S. sport, but it is popular globally and growing around the world. What is basketball culture like in other countries?
Asia has the most unique basketball culture by far. I’ve played in South Korea and I’m currently playing in China this summer. In Asia, there is a large basketball fan base and the NBA is avidly followed.
The fans are very passionate about the games, which are frequently sold out.
Fans even wait for players outside of the arenas after games.
I’ve often needed security to escort me out so I’m not mobbed by fans after great games.
In Korea, I’ve even received gifts after games. Memorabilia, snacks and games have been some of the presents I’ve received from fans.
Read the full article in CSUF Business News.