Year In Review

12/28/2016

Let’s just say this - 2016 was possibly the best year of my life thus far. This feeling that I have is in large part due to falling in love with the European basketball scene over the past year. I was a part of a team that won three championships; Turkish Cup, Turkish League Playoffs, and the President’s Cup. We made it to the championship game of the EuroLeague as well but lost in the end. This year rekindled my love for the game of basketball and showed me the impact that I can have off the court with just a single smile.

Life knocks you down sometimes. But it’s those who are able to get up time and time again who make a special dent in the world. 2015 was a rough year for the kid. Not playing any significant minutes in the NBA hit me hard and my love for the game also took a hit. But even when things are tough, God always has a plan. One positive note that occurred during 2015 was meeting and becoming friends with great people like Hedo Turkoglu. Who would have known that our relationship would flourish and he’d also help me get to Fenerbahce. So if you see him, give him a high five!

2016 has truly been amazing for me. Being able to see the world and learn about different cultures is exciting! Also, while abroad you learn so much about world history and even the United States of America. Don’t get me wrong; America is a great place but its history and how it got to power is terrifying. The history I learned in school was really half-truths (I can go all day on that subject so let’s change it). One of my favorite parts about living abroad is the food! The food is so much fresher outside the states. And don’t get me started on the seafood in Turkey. It is absolutely amazing!

All in all, 2016 was another step in the right direction for me. Building on what we accomplished, the opportunity to hoist up that EuroLeague trophy for Fenerbahce is driving me to work hard every day. I’ve also had a ton of fun going to schools and speaking engagements with people in Turkey. Coming to Turkey has been the best move of my professional career. It has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities in this world. I pray 2017 is even more exciting. More wins and more smiles. In 2017, let’s all do our best to be great people!!!

Peace

9 Comments

Josh H.

12/28/2016 11:03:14 am

It's definitely been a solid year! Peace and blessings in the next. Thanks for being great and encouraging others to do the same!

Cengizhan

12/28/2016 01:45:23 pm

Thank you, Udoh. Thank you for being a part of Fenerbahce, both on and off court. Thank you for not giving up, having such a positive vibe and for being around for the kids as an idol. Learned a lot from you! Let us have another good year all together. Keep em postings coming.

Deniz

12/28/2016 04:00:11 pm

You are the BEST. <3

Ufuk link

12/28/2016 11:06:26 pm

Dear Ekpe, we are so glad to see you in our roster. My only wish in 2017 is to see you claming the Euroleague title with Fenerbahce! Make our dream come true! Cheers mate!

POISE HAIR COLLECTION link

12/29/2016 01:39:52 am

Very nice, Keep up the great work E :)

Gokalp

12/29/2016 05:13:49 am

A person that understands the heart and love of children and that can reflect the same back at 'em can never fail.We are so proud to have such a personality like you in our lives.This is more important than winning or loosing.Thanks for being a perfect figure to our kids on and off the court.
May God be with you all the time.

Ilgın

12/29/2016 01:54:23 pm

I'm so glad you had a great year here in Turkey. Though it's been just a year you're already an indispensable member of this family. Thank you for putting incredible effort into each and every game, thank you for being so humble & kind, thank you for the Book Club. Thank you, Ekpe, for being far more than just a great basketball player.

12/29/2016 04:26:22 pm

Ekpe, Im not fan of Fenerbahce but Im really loving you. Please stay with us. Dont go. Maybe You can wear my teams jersey in the future who knows. Dont forget it. Not only fenerbahce fans love you. Everybody loves you. Sorry for my english.

Bahar

12/31/2016 02:19:18 pm

You are such an inspiration with everything you do and it's great to see you playing for Fenerbahce. We are blessed to have such an amazing and big hearted player like you. To see you guys fight ultil the very last second, is all that matters. Keep smiling big man, it works wonders!

Year In Review

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