Ijeoma (Ije) Ofomata is former professional basketball player and sports consultant across Africa, Europe and U.S.A. Her educational background includes a M.Sc in International Business from London South Bank in London, U.K; and a B.A. in Politics with a minor in Business from Central State University in Ohio, U.S.A where she graduated with a Summa cum laude.  

Ije recently joined the Milwaukee Bucks in the role of a Scouting Coordinator after spending three years as the Basketball’s Operations and Teams Management Lead with the NBA’s Basketball Africa League (BAL). Some notable accomplishments at the BAL are the following:  

• The Team Liaison program  
• The Coaches and Players Development program to provide opportunities to participate in NBA Summer League. 
• The basketball and game operations of the league including the BAL Elevate Program, BAL Combine, and the relationship with FIBA Africa and all national federations across the continent.  

Ije’s journey has allowed her to encounter people from different walks of life and experience different cultures. Her love for the game of basketball and passion for helping young girls has taken her places and created opportunities for her to learn from some of the best and legendary NBA basketball coaches and players.  

Ije spends a lot of time giving back to the younger generation by volunteering at different basketball camps across Africa and Europe. She is a true believer that education and sports can have a positive impact in the lives of young people. Her passion for coaching and motivating young girls in the African continent through sports stems from her childhood experience.  

Over the years, Ije has worked with several notable sporting organisations some of which include NBA Africa Basketball Without Borders, SEED Academy, and Quai54 International Basketball Championship. 

Fun fact: – Ije is pronounced Ejay 😊