South Sudan rep Malou leading the way in NBL1 North

Written by Julia Montesano

When Emmanuel Malou was initially introduced to basketball as a 12-year-old in his hometown of Melbourne, he didn’t find it all too appealing.

But after growing six inches taller two years later, he knew he had to give the sport another try.

Now, basketball has taken Malou all over the world, including to the United States, Africa, Iran and Estonia.

But it’s the travel to Africa that he thinks of the most fondly, as that’s where he got to represent South Sudan in the African Championships last year.

“Playing for South Sudan was a great experience,” Malou says.

“We got to unite with each other and play around the country.

“It’s something I’ll remember forever.”

Now playing for the Mackay Meteors in the NBL1 North, he is equally proud of the calibre of African players lighting up the court down under.

“Back home, it’s great to see so many African players playing in the league and getting exposure,” he says.

“It’s a great look for our country.

“I’m really happy to see it progress from where it was five to six years ago.”

This opportunity didn’t come without hard work though, which Malou attributes to his time with Tallinna Ulikool/ Kalev in the Latvia-Estonian League.

“Playing in Estonia was very hard,” he says.

“We had two team workouts per day five times a week.

“It was a real hardcore grind that just taught me how to work hard.

“I basically carry that into my life now and live by that value.

“I’ve played in so many different countries in such a small amount of time.

“After this NBL1 season, I could easily be going back into a program like that again, so I’m always prepared.”

As much as Malou enjoys travelling the world, his sights have always been set on playing in the NBL.

He is hoping that his form for Mackay can translate to an NBL contract.

“Playing NBL has been my goal since I’ve gone pro,” the 206cm centre says.

“Playing in the NBL1 here is part of the process for hopefully getting an opportunity in the NBL or even just being looked at a tryout or something like that.

“I’m constantly just trying to pursue anything above me right now.

“That’s the goal for me.”

Back in his high school and college years, Malou nearly went one step further and made the NBA.

His trajectory began in high school when he got to play on the same team as two-time NBA All-Star and current Laker Andre Drummond at St Thomas More School in Connecticut.

Then after his junior college stint at Yuba College, he was ranked second in the country and had just signed to play for Iowa State University.

But because he was ineligible to play for Iowa State, he had to go straight into the NBA Draft in 2016.

Even after going undrafted, Malou has still remained focused and positive about playing professionally.

His stats suggest a fully professional career may not be too far away, averaging 20.8 points and five rebounds from four games so far with the Meteors in NBL1 North.

Malou attributes this solid form to the competitiveness of the league, with his teammates, coaches and opponents constantly pushing him to higher levels of greatness.

“NBL1 North is definitely really competitive, especially now before the NBL players come in,” the 27-year-old says.

“I feel like it’s going to get a lot more competitive.

“Us and a couple of other NBL1 North teams have a lot of good NBL players coming in so I’m excited to play against these guys and get better as the season goes on.”