The NBL Weekend Takeover for 3/4 November will see Dorset Storm take the reins of the NBL Instagram story.
We caught up with Storm's Kundiso Majome of their takeover weekend, in our latest Player Spotlight feature.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Name: Kundiso Majome
Team: Dorset Storm - Under 18 Men (South West Regional), Division Four Men (South West)
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Kundiso Majome, I am 17 years old and studying engineering at Bournemouth & Poole College. I was born in Zimbabwe but now live in Poole where basketball has played a huge part in my life.
What brought you to the NBL in the first place?
The coaches that I have at Dorset Storm, Jill and Luke Kemish, have always pushed me and given me opportunities to play in higher levels of competition to better myself. I can remember being 13 years old when they gave me the confidence to take the opportunity of playing an Under 16 Boys game in the Jnr.NBL. I can even remember the opposition, which was Rhondda Dragons.
What was your first impression of the NBL? How has that changed?
My first impression of the NBL left me feeling very small! I knew I had a point to prove against players that, at the time, were far bigger, quicker and stronger. It made me change the way I approached the game and take things more seriously to get left behind! Five years later I now feel far more comfortable, and understand that it is not always the quickest, strongest, tallest players that are the best players.
What was your first "bright spot" with your team?
I can still remember the opening play I was involved in during my very first game. Having just subbed in, on the first defensive possession we had, I managed to draw a charge. Making important plays, no matter how small, still give me that good feeling to know I am contributing to the team’s success.
What was your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenges have always involved guarding the oppositions' best players. I got court time initially because I was a good defender, or perhaps a relentless and annoying defender! I can remember being called on to guard the opposition's best player and that taught me a lot about defence, but also about learning from better players about how they dealt with (or in some cases didn’t deal with!) the pressure that I put them under.
What changes have you noticed in yourself since joining the NBL?
On the court, I feel I am now far more tactically aware. I am confident in recognising the way other teams are structured and making adjustments. Likewise, I feel that as a player I am far better equipped to deal with the added pressure that teams put on you when you have the ball in your hands. On and off the court, I feel more confident and I am fitter and healthier from playing in the NBL.
What are you working on right now, what are your current goals?
One specific thing that I am focusing on is improving the range on my jump shot. I know that if I can become a consistent three-point threat this will allow other areas of my game to open up, making me a more dangerous player on the offensive end. Otherwise, it is just a case of working hard and trying to have a successful season with the Under 18 team and to establish myself as a regular contributor and key player for our Senior Men.
What is your favourite NBL memory?
I have many memories that could be described as a favourite. I guess, narrowing it down, there are some personal milestones such as the first game or the first time I got to start a game. Two more team-based ones are reaching the play-offs as a team and winning the last game of the season in 2017 against Vale Vipers, where we showed great character to come from behind to get the win. There are many others too, both on and off the court that I will always remember.
What advice would you give someone who is just getting started in basketball?
Firstly, make sure that you master footwork at both ends of the court as this is important in order to be an efficient basketball player. Secondly, take pride in ensuring that your man-to-man defence is good as this is key; every coach will have a place for a good defender. Finally, just feel relaxed and don’t force passes or rush shots – which I guess is something you can only learn through playing and experience.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
I like playing other sports like football and going running. Otherwise, I tend to spend time with family and friends when not on the court or at college.
Finally, who is your favourite British basketball player and why?
I have two who I would describe as my favourites. Firstly, Luol Deng as he has done a lot for the country with his many caps for Great Britain, promoting British basketball, and being someone to look up to. Away from the court he is a really positive role model too.
The second player would be Luke Nelson, in terms of the type of position that I play. His playing style is something that I look up to; watching him play and his highlight tapes inspire me to do more.
You can follow Kundiso's progress this weekend when Dorset Storm takeover the NBL Instagram story!
