Kamba's Time to Shine

For Mathieu Kamba that feeling has become personal.

The former Central Arkansas alum wasn’t injured. His club team in Spain requested that Kamba be part of their training camp, forcing him out of Championship Weekend, but what made it even worse was the visa process took longer than expected. Instead of being in Spain, Kamba was stuck at the Pearson International Airport in Toronto.

“Missing Championship Weekend last year hurt a lot, and I feel like I owe it to my teammates and (head coach) Jermaine (Small),” said Kamba. “I really wanted to be a part of it, and I felt if I was there, I could’ve helped better our chances.”

The Stingers lost 85-83, and that loss wasn’t forgotten by Kamba. The 24-year-old really flourished under Small.

He got more opportunity when the coaching change was made last year and he made the most of it, becoming one of the top perimeter defenders in the Canadian Elite Basketball League after playing limited minutes off the bench and moved into a starters role under Small.

“I was more comfortable with Small. He really allowed me to get my confidence up and start blossoming,” said Kamba.

In 17 games (11 starts), Kamba recorded 7.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists for Edmonton last year.

Kamba suited up for Leyma Basquet Coruna this past year in Spain and averaged 10.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

Kamba has been impressive for Edmonton in the Summer Series.

He hit the game-winning bucket in the team’s first win of the tournament. Offensively, he’s been one of the team’s most consistent producers, averaging 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and two steals per game.

Defensively, he’s responsible for shutting down the opposition’s best player, and he’s thrived in that role.

“As Mathieu got better, we got better. He’s a naturally gifted athlete, but what sets himself apart is his commitment to defence and always working to get better in every aspect of the game,” said Stingers head coach Jermaine Small. “He has unlimited upside, as he’s still a younger player. He was dearly missed last year at Championship Weekend, because we didn’t have his defence, athleticism and three-point shot. We didn’t have that same depth when he wasn’t there.”

When scouts and coaches talk about Kamba, the first words typically spoken are how strong of a defender he is. But with the way the six-foot-five guard has flourished with the Stingers in his two seasons, they’re going to have to start to expand their scouting report on Kamba.

“I’ll do anything to help my team win,” said Kamba. “I’ve always prided myself on how hard I work defensively, but I’m becoming more comfortable if I’m being asked to score. I’ve never been afraid to put the work in, and I’m starting to master different roles.”

His first two years at Central Arkansas didn’t go exactly as planned. He was promised a prominent role with the rebuilding program, but he started just 30 of 57 games in his first two seasons.

He got his opportunity in his junior year and didn’t look back as he started all but two games and averaged 13.9 points for Central Arkansas.

Kamba got his opportunity with the Stingers when Small took over and now his career has risen to new heights.

This coming season, Kamba is aiming to play in Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto, which is Spain’s top professional league.

“If you want to get better, you can’t be afraid to change your game,” said Kamba. “If I can move up next year and play in one of the top leagues in the world, it shows that anything’s possible if you don’t stop working.”