Ghanian Big Man on the Rise

Ivan McDowell
Southeast/Mid-South Editor

Madison Academy Center Shows Steady Skill Progression

September 18, 2006 - Bawa Muniru has seen his enormous potential start to take shape.

The 6’11”, 240-pound native of Ghana used his summer tour with the Alabama Lasers AAU squad to stake his claim as one of the best big men in the state.

Muniru is mindful of his progression on the basketball court and recognizes how his skill set ascension has taken place.

Bawa Muniru understands the need for big men to rebound, and play defense.

“Sometimes when I’m on the court I get frustrated and start to think too much instead of letting the game come to me”, said Muniru, a junior attending Madison Academy in Madison, Alabama.

Bawa’s performances on the court helped lead Madison Academy to a 33-6 mark and a state 3A championship. Mostly known for his defense and shot blocking ability, Bawa showed an improved post game and a short jumper out to 10-feet.

During the Nike Peach Jam Invitational, Bawa showed surprising post moves and increased fluidity in his offensive game, while performing at his usual high level on the defensive end. Muniru totaled 26 rebounds in the five games his team participated in.

The Ghanian big man attributes a pilgrimage to the motherland as the key reason for his improvement.

“I took a trip home this summer to visit my family and when I came back I decided to forget about everything and get out on the court and see what I can do”, stated Bawa, who lives with a host family in Madison, a suburb of Huntsville, AL.

There is no reason to believe that the center’s game has reached its apex however, as there is much more work to be done, especially if he wants to become an elite prospect in the class of 2008.

“I just try to pinpoint my weaknesses and continually work on them. Then I can go out on the court with a clear mind and just play basketball. “

Bawa has a strong sense of what work needs to be done; after all he’s only been playing hoops for a little over two years. Last season during the Mustangs championship run, Bawa averaged 16 points and racked up several double-doubles, despite being hampered by a broken foot early in the season.

Bawa Muniru, led Madison Academy to an Alabama 3A championship last season.

The man-child must work on catching the ball in the post better and improving his footwork on both offense and defense. Often last season, against smaller post men, Bawa would give up position too easily.

Make no mistake Muniru is not getting moved out of the lane, but rather he was being out-quicked to the spot for a rebound. Muniru is a chiseled, 240-pound specimen who just needs to play as much basketball as he can.

“Man, I’m still learning and I’ve got two years left. I missed six weeks of basketball and it’s hard to get that back. I’m just now getting back my game.”, he shared.

Auburn, UCLA, Kentucky, Florida State have been showing the most interest, but that list will grow as assuredly as Bawa’s skills.