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Introduction
Serge Ibaka, a Congolese-Spanish professional basketball player, is a household name in the NBA. With his impressive skills and towering height, he has made a name for himself on the court. However, what many people don’t know is that Serge Ibaka is not his real name. In this article, we will explore Serge Ibaka’s real name, his background, and how he became the superstar that he is today.
Early Life
Serge Ibaka was born on September 18, 1989, in Brazzaville, the capital city of the Republic of Congo. He was born to a Congolese father and a mother from Angola. However, when he was just eight years old, his family moved to France to escape the civil war that was raging in Congo at the time.
In France, Serge started playing basketball with his older brother. He quickly developed a passion for the sport and joined a local club team.
Moving to Spain
In 2007, Serge Ibaka moved to Spain to play for a second-division team called CB L’Hospitalet. It was there that he caught the eye of NBA scouts, who were impressed by his size, athleticism, and defensive skills.
Joining the NBA
In 2008, Serge Ibaka was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics (later renamed the Oklahoma City Thunder) in the first round of the NBA draft. He played for the Thunder for seven seasons, during which time he established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league.
Serge Ibaka’s Real Name
So, what is Serge Ibaka’s real name? His full name is Serge Jonas Ibaka Ngobila.
“Ibaka” is actually a nickname that he received from his mother. In the Bantu language, “Ibaka” means “strong and able to conquer everything.” Serge chose to use this nickname when he started playing basketball professionally.
NBA Career Highlights
During his NBA career, Serge Ibaka has achieved numerous accolades. He has been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times and has led the league in blocks twice. He has also been selected to the NBA All-Star Game three times.
Off-Court Ventures
Off the court, Serge Ibaka is also known for his fashion sense and his love of cooking. He has his own YouTube channel, where he shares his cooking tips and recipes with his fans.
In addition, Serge is passionate about giving back to his community. He has established the Serge Ibaka Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of children in Africa by providing access to education, healthcare, and sports.
Personal Life
Serge Ibaka is in a relationship with Keri Hilson, an American singer and actress. The couple has been together since 2012.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Serge Ibaka is a talented basketball player who has achieved a great deal of success in the NBA. Despite his fame, he remains humble and passionate about giving back to his community. His real name, Serge Jonas Ibaka Ngobila, reflects his strength and determination to conquer everything in his path.
We hope that this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of Serge Ibaka and his background. Whether you’re a fan of basketball or simply interested in learning more about this remarkable athlete, we hope that you have enjoyed reading this article.
