Uncertainty, unknown and unprecedented times are the latest buzz words in today’s COVID-world. The ambiguity of the future is intimidating to most, but Hamilton Honey Badgers guard Jean-Victor (JV) Mukama embraces it. Unlike NCAA graduates, the former First Team OUA All-Star knew pursuing his dreams of playing in the NBA would lead him on an unconventional path. So far, Mukama’s talent and love for the game of basketball has reconnected him with his Rwandan roots, allowed him to play for his hometown Hamilton Honey Badgers, landed him a spot with the Raptors 905 training squad and now onto a new adventure overseas in the Netherlands. These experiences have each played a key role in shaping Mukama into the person and player he is today.

Staying in “The 6ix”

 

The 6-foot-8 guard from Hamilton is a talent on the radar of scouts globally, and for good reason. After graduating from Ryerson where he helped the Rams dynasty to four medals at the U Sports National Championships (one silver and three bronze) and three OUA medals including an OUA title in 2016, he landed a try-out with the Raptors 905. Modelling his game after Brooklyn Nets guard Kevin Durant, coaches have labelled him a “mismatch nightmare”- too quick for taller defenders and too long for shorter defenders.

“[It’s] something that I didn’t even realize until I was surrounded by great coaches” said Mukama. “They made me realize that I have a rare ability, that I’m versatile and any team will be able to use me, anywhere. I just have to be able to put in the work.”

His incredible ability to play multiple positions is just one of the traits that stood out to Raptors 905 assistant coach, and Honey Badgers head coach, Ryan Schmidt, who has coached fellow Canadian hooper Chris Boucher to the NBA level. Mukama did not know quite what to expect at the try-out yet went into the experience with an open-mind and determined to play his game no matter the outcome. Mukama ultimately cracked the 905 training roster but was the last man released from their competitive team. Come summer of 2020, Schmidt-- the newly appointed Hamilton head coach, remembered Mukama’s unique abilities and jumped at the opportunity to continue to develop his talents.

 

“In those three weeks I felt like I grew up two years”

The unusual circumstances imposed by COVID-19 forced the CEBL to re-invent their summer plans. This led to the inaugural CEBL Summer Series, which saw the league’s seven teams convene at a single site in St. Catherines, Ont to play 26 games in 15 days following a one-week training camp. Mukama excelled and played a stand-out role for the Honey Badgers, leading the team in points per game (14.1) and averaging 6.3 rebounds per game. Ultimately, Hamilton lost a heartbreaker (76-75) in the semifinals to the Fraser Valley Bandits, but Mukama was named to the All-CEBL First team.

In this age of uncertainty, Mukama embraced the opportunity to return to playing the game he loves after three gruelling months of isolation. He credits the CEBL for its hard work and dedication in organizing such an esteemed platform for the players.

 

“When we checked into the hotel it actually hit me that wow, we’re actually going to be one of the few teams in the world that get to play and especially at this level” said Mukama. “The CEBL is filled with talent- and this league is one of the top leagues in the summer, anywhere. The fact that we were able to compete, and on TV as well, while everyone else in the world was sitting around and watching was incredible. It gave us a platform to showcase our talent and for any team in the world looking for a player, all they had to do was just watch and pick.”

This summer, the CEBL exposure helped Mukama impress scouts from the Netherlands, earning a one-year contract with Aris Leeuwarden of the Dutch Basketball League (DBL).

“I wasn’t really too sure what to expect, it was my first time testing the professional basketball waters so of course I was excited, but there was a sense of mystery. You don’t know where you’re going to end up or who’s going to watch you. I’ve seen it first-hand because most of my opportunities playing professionally, I didn’t really plan. The only thing I planned was getting ready.”

Mukama’s experience in the CEBL played a pivotal role in his professional development having the opportunity to connect with veteran Hamilton Honey Badgers staff, including President John Lashway, General Manager Jermaine Anderson and Player Consultant Joel Anthony. Praising their insightful advice about navigating the professional basketball scene, Mukama gained a wealth of knowledge.

“In those three weeks I felt like I grew up two years,” he said.

Humble beginnings

 

Although Mukama was born in Quebec, his family relocated to his parents’ home country of Rwanda in 2003, living there for four years until eventually moving to Hamilton. It wasn’t long before Mukama, at merely nine years old, was exposed to the harsh realities of some African countries. His first memory of Rwanda was being picked up from the airport by his father.

“I remember being in the car looking outside at the country and seeing a little girl who was no more than five years old, holding a baby on her back just walking around asking for food. When I first saw her, I remember looking at my dad saying, ‘Hey dad, look I just saw a little kid and I think she’s lost.’ And obviously, that’s when it hit him that I’m going to realize a lot of things” Mukama explained. “I remember being so mad and saying, ‘How can you just keep driving away?’ The more I convinced him to turn around the further we drove and the more kids I saw starving on the road and I was like, ‘what is going on? This can actually happen to kids?’”

A Child and Youth Care graduate, children have always had a special place in Mukama’s heart. After his playing career, Mukama plans on pursuing coaching. Having competed under current Sacramento Kings assistant coach Roy Rana at Ryerson, McMaster Marauders Head Coach Patrick Tatham, and Schmidt, Mukama recognizes the crucial mentorship role that a coach plays in both developing a player’s on-court skills and instilling broader life values of work ethic and perseverance. It is his mission to inspire the next generation of basketball players who may grow into other roles beyond the sport, becoming teachers, doctors and potential world leaders.

“I think I’m always going to try and give back, especially now that I have a platform,” Mukama said. “When I went back to Rwanda last December for the qualifiers, all these kids were coming with my posters and asking for pictures. That’s when it hit me that now I actually have the chance to impact them- I didn’t even realize I had that power until this happened.”

Coming full circle

 

Perhaps the most sentimental moment of Mukama’s young career was his return to Rwanda in 2019, where he played for the Kigali Patriots Basketball Club. Helping them win the tournament and qualify for the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) was a special moment in JV’s personal and professional life.

“Never in a million years did I think I would play in Rwanda,” said Mukama, who went on to win the tournament MVP. “I always make the joke to my mom that basketball and hide and seek were like the same thing to Rwandans, child’s play. So, when I went back last year it was an absolute shock to me, like all of a sudden there’s an arena filled with 15,000 people cheering for us? That was nuts to me.”

Having never played competitive basketball in Rwanda, Mukama marvelled at the physicality of the African game. With the intensity of the game heightened, he felt he was “playing for his life” every time he stepped on the court.

“It clicked a reset button for me on how to view the game, to take time and appreciate every moment and I am incredibly grateful for that opportunity.”

The experience reminded him exactly why he started playing basketball in the first place. It’s the fond memories of playing with his cousins on the Fisher-Price mini basketball nets that he holds onto. Mukama’s time in Africa truly marked a full circle moment in his career and he’ll take this newfound tenacity and grit to his next basketball destination.

What’s Mukama up to now?

 

Currently, Mukama is playing overseas as a member of Aris Leeuwarden in the Dutch Basketball League (DBL). Although the Netherlands recently announced new COVID-19 restrictions, which have postponed their season for a minimum of four weeks, Mukama posted a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) in their season-opener. With a fresh perspective from his time in Africa, Mukama has remained motivated despite a repetitive training routine where he spends time strictly at the practice facility and his new home.

Having lived in both Rwanda and Canada throughout his childhood, it is difficult to shock Mukama culturally. He is enjoying the adventure of moving overseas to a new country. The Netherlands and Canada share some similarities, but he gives the Dutch an edge when it comes to their cheese, (which was the first food his father told him to try upon his arrival). Excited to explore when the chaos settles, Mukama said he doesn’t quite realize what he is missing yet. On rare occasions he’s been able to see a few popular tourist attractions, but only from the outside. However, with his versatility and talent Mukama will certainly be a tourist attraction for fans when the DBL resumes this year.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mukama’s pre-game ritual is to eat a bowl of pasta and that his favourite pump-up song is Lil Baby’s “Sum 2 Prove.” Known for his charismatic and infectious personality, make sure to follow Mukama and the Hamilton Honey Badgers on social media for more updates about his basketball journey:

JV Mukama

Instagram: @jay_vick8                 

Twitter: @JvMukama   

Hamilton Honey Badgers

Instagram:@honeybadgers.cebl

Twitter: @HM_HoneyBadgers

CEBL

@cebleague