Hoopsfix 1 on 1: Temi Fagbenle

By Sam Neter on March 28, 2011

McDonalds All American, New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year and last week’s Sports Illustrated’s High School Player of the Week, at 6’4″, Temi Fagbenle is the current big thing on the UK women’s scene. Averaging 16.3 points and 9.3 rebounds to lead Blair Academy to the New Jersey Prep A title this season, Temi accumulated a 3.4 GPA and will be taking her game to Harvard next season.

Hoopsfix managed to grab a quick minute with the former Haringey Angel for a Hoopsfix 1 on 1.

Hoopsfix (HF): At what age and why did you first start getting into basketball?
Temi Fagbenle (TF): I started playing basketball at 14 years old because we (family and I) realised that it could help get me into university.

HF: And back then, did you ever envisage going over to the states to play, being named a McDonald’s All American and getting a full scholarship to go to college?!
TF: Back then I was just playing to play. The thought of going to America to play passed through my mind a couple of times but I never really thought about it thoroughly. All I knew was that I wanted to leave home and explore the world, and the sooner the better. I didn’t know anything about the McDonalds All american award. I hardly knew a thing about basketball in general. Didn’t even know who Lebron James was!

HF: What does it mean to you to be named a McDonald’s All American?
TF: Well I just recently found out what the award really means so I guess it’s an accomplishment. It was never my goal so it’s a nice surprise.

HF: What are you most looking forward to about the event?
TF: I’m looking forward to playing with all the great players.

HF: Who would you say has been most influential in your basketball career and life so far?
TF: Most influential would be Rich Leary, my friend and coach of the AAU team the New Jersey Demons. He made me into the player I am today and he believes in me like no other. I feel so blessed to have crossed paths with him.

HF: How would you compare playing in the US to England?
TF: It is definitely more physical. That was the first thing I noticed when I arrived. There is also more talent. People are just in love with the game over here. Most girls are striving for a college scholarship so they work so hard on the floor and it shows.

HF: Do you feel like with the amount of exposure you’re currently getting, that you’re opening up a door for other potential British female ballers? Or even a responsibility to help put the UK on the map? How much female talent do you think we have in the UK?
TF: It would be wonderful if my basketball exposure does open doors for other potential British players. In a way it is , and I’m happy for that. I think there is a lot of potential in the UK but not enough basketball facilities and coaching to hone it.

HF: You’ve committed to Harvard for college, you obviously had a lot of options, why Harvard?
TF: Why not Harvard? :)

HF: Your brother Dapo, also used his basketball talents to get a scholarship to college, has he had much of an influence on your basketball career? Who’d win in a 1 on 1?!
TF: He has had some influence. I guess I followed in his footsteps. Who’d win 1 one 1? Hmmm…probably him-but it wouldn’t be easy!

HF: What are your plans after college?
TF: I used to think I knew but those thoughts are no more :) haha. I don’t know. Maybe something to do with business/media. (We’re calling WNBA!-Ed)

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