Omar Oraby, Amr El Gendy, and Karim Elgizawy, all products of Al Ahly Sporting Club, stand as testaments to the nation’s basketball prowess, each carving their path to success with dedication, skill, and a profound sense of national pride.
Their stories intertwine, despite the gaps in age and experience, as they reflect on their shared journey from the youth ranks to the senior national team and club level.
As they prepare to defend their BAL title with Al Ahly SC, they pause to reminisce on the pivotal moments that shaped their careers and the responsibility of mentoring the next generation of Egyptian basketball stars.
For Karim Elgizawy, the youngest of the trio, the journey began with a sense of responsibility instilled early in his career. “Playing in the youth teams made me feel responsible,” he reflects, “We learnt what it means to carry a national team.
It was a big responsibility for us.” With titles at the U16 and U18 levels, Elgizawy embodies the promise of Egyptian basketball, driven by a desire to honor his country on the international stage.
Omar Oraby, a veteran of the game, recalls the euphoria of winning the 2008 FIBA U18 African Championship on home soil. “It gave us a push to continue our careers and take it more seriously,” he reminisces, highlighting the pivotal role of youth championships in shaping the trajectory of Egyptian basketball.
Alongside Amr El Gendy, who emerged as the tournament MVP, Oraby laid the foundation for a successful career that would see them represent Egypt on the global stage.
For El Gendy, the U18 African Championship was a springboard to professional success, marking the beginning of a journey that has spanned over a decade. “It was one of the main reasons I pushed for a professional career,” he recalls, “I became known in Egypt after that tournament.”
As they transitioned from youth championships to professional leagues, Oraby, El Gendy, and Elgizawy emerged as stalwarts of Egyptian basketball, their collective experience serving as a beacon of hope for future generations.
Their success at the junior level, they attest, is a testament to Egypt’s commitment to nurturing young talent. “We put a lot of focus on the youth,” Oraby explains, “It has allowed many players to go to college in the US and continue playing pro in Egypt or overseas.”
El Gendy echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of local tournaments in honing the skills of young players and preparing them for the rigors of international competition.
As they set their sights on defending their BAL title with Al Ahly SC, the trio remains cognizant of the challenges that lie ahead. “We expect every team to go hard at us,” Oraby acknowledges, “But we are prepared to meet the challenge head-on.” For El Gendy, the goal is clear: “Our main goal is to keep the trophy here in Egypt.”
As they mentor the next generation of Egyptian basketball stars, Oraby, El Gendy, and Elgizawy remain steadfast in their commitment to the sport they love. “They remind me of my younger self when I was coming up,” El Gendy reflects, “Hopefully, they surpass what we have achieved and achieve great things for Egypt.”
With their legacy secure and their eyes set on the future, these three accomplished players stand as pillars of Egyptian basketball, inspiring a new generation to reach for the stars.
Photo: FIBA
