Ayo Shokeye (188-G) is an American guard that began his basketball career at Gorton high school. He then played 2 years at Lackawanna College for 2 years and then played 2 years at Northern Vermont University. He has pro experience having taken part at the Forcees Armees et Police in Cameroon (Basketball Africa League Qualifiers. He will take part at the Howard hoops Combine in Italy this summer and spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Ayo for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball treating you at the moment?

At this moment I am currently at home still training and staying ready. There are many ups and downs on this journey but basketball is treating me how it should. It’s still teaching me persistence, resilience, and patience. When things aren’t going my way how do I respond to those situations. Basketball is still treating me like a student

You finished school in 2021 and last played at the Forcees Armees et Police in Cameroon (Basketball Africa League Qualifiers) 2023-2024. How have you made a normal living while also keeping your basketball dream alive?

I’ve been working in a warehouse, as well as a personal assistant to an app developer.

How excited are you to be testing the pro waters this summer? This summer you will be showing your game in Italy. How confident are you that things will work out?

This summer I’m very excited to go out there and show what I can do. I’m definitley excited to play in Italy this summer. I try not to use the word confidence as much because confidence is a feeling that fleets, it comes and it goes. I try to build a conviction that I can do difficult things whether I’m feeling confident or not.

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Combine in Italy. Will this be your first or second time overseas? With what type of expectations are you coming

This is actually going to be my 3rd time overseas. I expect things to be challenging

How did you find contact to CEO Ron Howard? His network keeps growing from day to day.

I actually found Ron through a former professional player named Sean McCaw

How aware are you of his incredible track record of more than a decade of getting guys jobs overseas for more than a decade now?

I’ve had some brief conversations with Ron, but I think that It’s amazing what he does, putting together events like this for guys to get opportunity

What was your first impression of him? What did you appreciate first from him about his demeanor and character?

What I appreciated most from Ron is his honesty and his humility.

It is really difficult for guys like you to find jobs overseas but it has been done more than not. How big is your hunger to prove people wrong?

This is a tough job, and like you said it’s difficult to find find in this sport. I feel like I’m hungry to prove everything to myself. I try to let my motivation come from inside.

Let´s talk about your game. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the bill?

If I had to compare my game to someone in the NBA it would be Dwyane Wade. He is also my favorite player. I do well at attacking the rim hard and scoring mid range jumpers

Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of defender are you right now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

Defensively I am a vocal player. It’s important to communicate and be someone my teammates can look to. I am also a physical defender. I wish to be a defensive players who does a very good job of recognizing patterns the offense tries to throw at us.

On what areas of your game are you tweaking most right now so you can make the next step as a player?

Working on knocking down the three ball, and having an even stronger mentality

You played 2 years at Lackawanna College (JUCO). Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO said it was tough, but an experience they wouldn´t have given up for the world. How was it for you?

JUCO was really tough but I feel like it made me who I am now. I don’t walk into situations expecting anything at all, no matter how good or bad I may be. Everything has to be earned.

How did Brian Coyle groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

My coach let me know the reality of the business side of basketball and life. Life is not fair, and neither is this business. All you can do is your best.

You also played at Northern Vermont University. How was that time playing for Miles Smith?

Playing for coach Miles Smith was a wonderful time. This was the time where I really realized that I could play professionally. We worked all the time and I feel like I flourished while playing for him.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tyhee Taylor?

my guy Tyhee would play 1-1 3 dribbles. I would win some he would win some, but I think I got the most wins

Who is the best player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA?

Lance Stephenson

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

My 5 favorite teammates were Floyd Davis, Keyon Smith, JJ Winslow, Robert Dubose, Romelle Watt

What is your personal NBA mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Penny Hardaway, and Rajon Rondo

Who is your GOAT?

My mom

Did you see the sequel to the classic coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

No I haven’t seen the sequel. I think I want to remember the film the way it was made back in 1988

Thanks Ayo for the chat.