Louisiana UnLimited: Hosana Kitenge is Finding His Stride at the Right Time

After a slow start to the year, by his expectations, Hosana Kitenge is hitting his stride right as the calendar turns to Sun Belt Conference action. The junior has set career highs in points (16), rebounds (9), assists (3), blocks (4), and minutes (38) over the last two games against a pair of teams projected to win their respective conferences.

The rise to playing college basketball was a quick one for Kitenge, who hadn't played basketball seriously until around the age of 13. Thanks to a close-knit support system, the Crawley, England, native saw his star quickly rise to the national level.

"Growing up I was a big football (soccer to Americans) guy. I played rugby," said Kitenge. "I played pretty much any sport I could."

With a brother and uncle who played professionally overseas, Kitenge had a wealth of support and knowledge to call upon as he got more serious about basketball at the age of 15. It was then he had the opportunity to play for the Great Britain national team and started to look at opportunities to possibly come stateside and play college basketball.

"I remember playing for the U16 national team and competing in FIBA events," Kitenge said. "After that some offers started to pour in and my name was circulating around Europe. In one event, we fell to Croatia in the finals and earned a silver medal and things took off from there. I've always been around high-level athletes, great teammates and tough competition."

Kitenge eventually made his way to the states and joined Sun Belt Conference rival, Coastal Carolina. While there, he played sparingly for two seasons, averaging just 2.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 7.9 minutes per game. He eventually found a home at Three Rivers College where he scored 12.3 points per game and grabbed 7.8 rebounds and flashed potential to be an all-around post-threat. Needing someone in the post this season, the Cajuns turned to Kitenge who immediately felt at home with a coaching staff that knew what he was capable of.

"The coaches here really harped about the familiarity I'd have here when they recruited me. I played in the conference and my play style fit the system they wanted to run," he said. "I was looking for someplace that had established a winning culture to continue my college career. When I was at Coastal, I respected what Coach (Bob) Marlin had going on here and his staff. Throughout the process, I developed a great relationship with Coach (Neil) Hardin and I'm very grateful they took a chance on me."

Off the court, Kitenge can be found playing video games such as FIFA, where he plays as Liverpool in the most recent edition, and NBA 2K. In 2K, Kitenge plays as the Nuggets, utilizing a player whom many might try to compare his play style to, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Despite the comparisons, Kitenge tries to mold his game after a player familiar to most NBA die-hards.

"Jokic, Domantas Sabonis, Draymond Green, they're all versatile bigs I look up to and the way they play," he said. "What made me fall in love with the play style and develop my game was watching Boris Diaw play. We were in France when I was 16 and I got to watch him practice and immediately knew that's how I wanted to play."

When he's not involved in sports, Kitenge can be found mostly reading. From David Baldacci to self-improvement books to the Bible, Kitenge reads whatever he can to improve himself on and off the court. After the last few games, the expectations for him may rise, but Kitenge manages to stay level-headed and focused on the process.

"I started the season a little slower than I wanted but moving forward I need to rebound the ball more and finish at the rim," he said. "I'm here to be a vocal leader for the team on and off the court and help anchor the defense. I want to be the best teammate I can be, the best player I can be, and the best person I can be."

While he is shooting for the stars after his college career to chase the dream of playing professionally, Kitenge still understands realistic goals and staying on the path to achieving them.

"Naturally as an athlete, you want to set your goals sky high and play professionally," Kitenge said. "But with that, you also need to be realistic with yourself. I love being around basketball, I love the X's and O's, and everything that comes with the game. Once my playing days are done, I'd certainly love to get into coaching and make an impact on that game that way."

Louisiana UnLimited: Hosana Kitenge is Finding His Stride at the Right Time

Players Mentioned

Hosana Kitenge

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