pic credit: Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB 

Kevin Tumba (206-C/F-1991) is a 34 year old 206cm forward that has the Congo/Belgium citizenship an dis playing his second season with Antwerp Giants (Belgium-Pro Basketball League). He began his basketball career with Dexia Mons-Hainaut. He played most of his pro career in Belgium, but also played in Greece and France and parts of 4 seasons in the Spanish ACB with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against Rostock.

Thanks Kevin for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing in Belgium now since 2022. 6 years prior you were in Spain, Greece and France. How did these 6 years help your game on the court?

Those six years abroad were crucial for my growth, both as a player and as a person. Competing in Spain, Greece, and France exposed me to different basketball philosophies more tactical in Spain, more physical in Greece, more athletic in France. I learned how to adapt to any style, read the game faster, and take pride in doing the little things that help a team win. It also taught me professionalism how to stay ready every day, no matter the situation.

Your playing your second season with Windrose Giants Antwerp (Belgium-Pro Basketball League). What kind of an experience has it been and what you like most about this organization?

It’s been a really positive experience. Antwerp has a strong basketball culture, and the organization gives players everything they need to perform. What I appreciate most is the professionalism combined with a family atmosphere. Everyone here from management to the youngest players wants to win and grow. That energy is contagious.

The team hasn´t won a league title since 1973, but did win the cup in 2023. How big is your hunger to finally win that first pro chip?

Huge. Every player dreams of winning a title, but for a club like Antwerp, with so much history and loyal fans, it would mean even more. The cup is something, but we want more. I came here to help build something lasting, and winning the championship would be a statement that Antwerp is back where it belongs.

The team is very young, but there are some veterans with you, Schoepen and Kesteloot. What exactly is your role besides being a leader?

Leadership isn’t only about talking; it’s about setting a tone by giving the example every day: defending, working hard, staying locked in. I want to make sure the younger players understand what it means to be a pro consistency, focus, and respect for the game.

You have been a very special player your whole career. You were never an explosive scorer, but had other qualities. What do you feel allowed you to play 4 seasons in the ACB?

I always understood my role. I didn’t need to take 15 shots a game to impact it. Defense, screens, communication, rebounds, rim protection those are things every coach values. The ACB is a league of details, and I think my discipline and ability to do the dirty work kept me there. Being reliable is a skill too.

Two seasons ago you played with RSW Liege Basket (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 7.9ppg, RPG-4 (10.0), 1.3apg, 1.2spg, BPG-3 (1.5), FGP: 66.9%, FT: 44.3%; and in the ENBL averaged 6.9ppg, RPG-2 (8.7), 1.3apg, 1.2spg, BPG-3 (1.5), FGP: 68.8%, FT: 38.5%. How special was that season? Statistically it was your best.

It was very special, I was truly happy there. Liège gave me a chance to play freely again after a few challenging years abroad. The chemistry was great, and I felt trusted. Stats are nice, but what I really remember is how much I enjoyed competing every night and helping the team fight above expectations.

In the 2022-2023 season you split time with Circus Brussels Basketball (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 8.3ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 65.4%, FT: 53.6%, in Dec.’22 moved to RSW Liege Basket (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 5.0ppg, 5.2rpg, BPG-2 (1.5), FGP: 67.1%, FT: 38.0%. You had been away from Belgium for 6 seasons. What differences did you see in the basketball and competition level since you had left in 2016? The BNXT league was in place and had helped Belgium basketball.

Honestly, there’s still a lot of work to do. Consistency remains a challenge. Some teams are very professional, others still need to grow in terms of organization and competitiveness. Belgium has talent, that’s clear, but we need to keep pushing better infrastructure, improving the visibility, stronger clubs, and a culture that truly values development and winning

How tough was the 2021-2022 season? You split time with FOS Provence Basket (France-Betclic ELITE Pro A) averaging 2.0ppg, 1.5rpg, in Apr.’22 moved to Hellenic Coin Ionikos Basketball (Greece-A1) averaging 4.8ppg, 5.5rpg. What did you learn from that season?

It was a lesson in resilience. Things didn’t always go my way that season limited minutes, new environments but it reminded me why I love the game. I m a believer of Christ and I always say « control what you can control, for the rest trust the Lord », so you can always control your attitude and effort. Those moments test your character, and I came out mentally stronger

You played the 2020-2021 seaosn with Kolossos H Hotels Rodou (Greece-A1) averaging 4.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1bpg. You were teammates with 207cm power forward Kerem Kanter the brother of Enes. What memories do you have battling him in practice?

Kerem is a tough guy strong, skilled, and very competitive (and very funny too). Our practices were intense, but always respectful. We pushed each other. I enjoyed that season because Greece is passionate about basketball, and you feel that every day.

You played with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (ACB) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 91 ACB games. How memorable were these 4 years playing in 1 of the world´s best leagues? Was this some of your most fun years as a pro?

Those were some of the best years of my career. Playing in Spain, especially in the ACB, is like a dream for any European player. The level is elite, every night you face world-class players. Murcia was like family to me; I grew so much there on and off the court. Murcia is a second home to me

In Feb 2017 you played your first time against Real Madrid and Luka Doncic who had 3 points and 4 assists in 19 minutes. He was a big prospect at that time, but would you ever have thought that he would become a top 3 player in the NBA?

Honestly, yes maybe not this fast, but you could see something special. His maturity at that age, his vision, and his control of the game were unreal. He made everything look easy. You knew he wasn’t just another young talent; he was different.

You never beat Real Madrid, but twice beat FC Barcelona once by 1 point and once by 3 points. What was your most memorable game against FC Barcelona?

The first win by one point was unforgettable. The atmosphere, the tension those are games you dream about as a kid. Beating Barcelona with a smaller budget team like Murcia showed what collective spirit can do. It was pure emotion.

You reached the Basketball Champions League Final 4 in 2018 losing a tough last game to AEK Athens 77-75. Was that one of your toughest loses ever in your career?

Definitely. We were so close. That team had HEART and we believed we could win it all. Losing by two points hurt a lot, but it also reminded me how small the margins are at the highest level. It still motivates me today.

You had so many great teammates in Spain including American veteran Delroy James. What player on those teams had the biggest impact on you?

Brad Oleson probably had the biggest impact on me during my time in Spain. He had an incredible amount of experience, and the way he approached the game being calm, professional, always in control really impressed me. Brad wasn’t the loudest guy in the room, but when he spoke, everyone listened. He taught me a lot about preparation, mentality, and how to take care of your body to last in this profession. Playing alongside someone like him helped me mature and see the game differently

You began your basketball career with Dexia Mons-Hainaut (D1). What do you remember from those early years. Did you have a type of mentor in those years? Perhaps a coach or a veteran like Ben McCauley?

Those were formative years. Everything was new, and I was just trying to learn. I was blessed to have veterans around who took the time to guide me guys like, Justin Cage, Josh Bostic who pushed me every day. They taught me how to act like a pro long before I was one.

You then played with the Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Ethias League). There you were first and second best shot blocker in the league. How valuable were these 2 seasons for your basketball development under Jurgen Van Meerbeeck?

Very valuable. Jurgen trusted me and gave me real minutes. I could make mistakes, learn, and grow. That’s where I really found my defensive identity shot blocking, timing, positioning. Those two years prepared me for everything that came after. I will always be grateful to Jurgen

There you were teammates with Elias Lasisi and after 11 years again in Antwerpen. Plus you are teammates since years in the Belgium national team. Do you share a special relationship with him? Are you guys like brothers?

For sure. Elias is like a brother. We’ve shared so many moments from young prospects to national team teammates. We’ve seen each other grow as men, not just as players. There’s a lot of mutual respect and understanding between us.

You then played a full season with Proximus Spirou Charleroi (Belgium-Scooore League averaging 5.8ppg, 6.1rpg, BPG-2 (1.4), FGP: 56.2%, FT: 47.5%; and in the Eurocup averaged 8.6ppg, RPG-1 (9.9), 1.0spg, BPG-1 (2.6), FGP: 65.5%, FT: 56.0%. Once again you were a defensive stopper. What do you feel has been your career secret of being a top defender?

Effort and anticipation. Defense is about pride and focus and being ready before the action happens. I study tendencies, I communicate a lot, and I take every matchup personally. You might miss shots, but defense is 100% effort, and that’s something I can always control. But mostly my teammates and the coaching staff allowed to be that person and be a real captain in defense.

You then played NBA Summer League with the Miami Heat in Orlando and Las Vegas. What memories do you have of that time? It was a lot different time than it is now. Is there one moment from then that you still remember? Like possibly a meaningful conversation with someone?

One moment that stayed with me was a short conversation I had with one of the assistant coaches Juwan Howard. He told me, “Defense travels, if you can defend, you can play anywhere in the world.” It sounds simple, but it stuck with me. It reminded me that effort, discipline, and consistency are universal. That mindset has stayed with me ever since.

You played at 4 European Championships in 2015, 2017, 2022 and 2025. What memories do you have of these tournaments? Do you have a favorite one? In 2022 you lost to Slovenia despite 35 points from Luka Doncic.

Each EuroBasket was a different chapter in my career and in my life. 2015 was my first one and I was young, just discovering what it meant to compete at that level. Everything felt huge: the arenas, the players, the pressure. I was mostly learning, observing, taking it all in. By 2017, I felt more ready to contribute. We had a strong group, a real sense of brotherhood. Playing against the best in Europe guys like Gasol, Porzingis, it forces you to grow fast. 2022 was special because I think we had the group to do something very special. We had a lot talent and are group was also mature, we all knew each other everyone knew his role, but we came sort against Slovenian in Berlin. And 2025… this one feels like a turning point. Because I was the second oldest of the team, became a leader of the team, with a mix of young talent and experience. The competition is harder every year, but that’s what makes it exciting. You realize how far Belgian basketball has come, but also how much higher we can still go. My favorite moment is for sure the putback for the win of Matt Lojesky at Eurobasket 2015 against Lituania we won by 1 and we were able to go to the next round.

I remember guys like Herville, De-Zeeuw, Tabu or Von Rossom in the national team. Do you have one guy where you can say her was my favorite teammate in the Belgium national team?

Wow this impossible to answer for me haha

Who was the best player that you ever battled in Europe that reached the NBA?

Probably Luka Doncic

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This one is very though

I would say

1 Facundo Campazzo

2 Brad Oleson

3 Loïc Schwartz

4 Dusan Sakota

5 Christophe Beghin

Please name your NBA, Euro and Belgium Mount Rushmore (best 4 player all-time in each one)

NBA, Jordan, Bird, Kobe, Olajuwon

Euro, Nowitski Pau Gasol, Dragic, Parker

Belgium, Eric Struelens, Christophe Beghin, Sam Van Rossom, Jonathan Tabu

Who is your GOAT?

Kyle Hines, because I spend so many hours studying his game, learning from his game. Maybe not for everyone but he’s my GOAT

Thanks Kevin for the chat.