The fifth guest in Basketball Sphere’s “When the Noise Stops” series is the Crvena Zvezda player – Jordan Nwora.
Jordan Nwora has spent his life between places. Born in Buffalo to a Nigerian father and an American mother, he has lived in Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Toronto, Istanbul and now Belgrade, and in every one of those cities he has answered the question of belonging the same way, by walking his dog until the world goes quiet.
He is 27, he runs a foundation for kids across West Africa, and he has finally chosen a home base of his own. In this conversation there is no basketball. There is what this life gives, and an honest accounting of what it takes.
We talked about none of that as basketball.
You were born in Buffalo and you carry a Nigerian passport. When did Nigeria stop being an inheritance and become a choice?
“I’ve grown up being Nigerian. I’ve always loved the culture, and obviously my dad has played a big role in basketball over in Nigeria, coaching the team and coaching me. I’ve been there many times all throughout growing up. I think it’s always been a choice.”
Twice in one year, a phone call decided which city you lived in. What does that do to your idea of home?
“I’ve recently found my home base in Louisville, Kentucky. Before that it was tough, bouncing around, moving my whole life from city to city. What makes it easier is meeting people and making the connections. No matter where I am, those stick with me.”
Who were you in Istanbul, in the weeks when the minutes were not coming?
“In Istanbul I was super reserved in terms of going around the city. It’s so busy all the time, the traffic is crazy, so in my downtime I was mostly going on walks with my dog, listening to music, playing video games or taking naps.”
Belgrade might be the loudest place you have ever played. Where do you go, in this city, when you need quiet?
“I’ve been a lot of places around Belgrade. For me the best thing is going on walks with my dog. I always find peace doing that, wherever I am. Just the quiet, and being outside in nature.”
You have run camps for kids in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire. What have you seen there that changed how you look at your own life?
“I’ve seen how much kids love the game and make the most out of their lives, even in less fortunate situations. A lot of times, what people need is just an opportunity. The joy these kids have is amazing. The vibrancy of their lives, and of those countries, is beautiful every time I see it.”
What do your summers look like, once the season lets go of you?
“Once the season is over I head back home right away, usually. I take about a week off to let my body get some much needed recovery. Then it’s right back to working out and preparing for the next season with my trainers.”
You are 27. What are you building right now that has nothing to do with basketball?
“At 27, what I’m building is my foundation, to create opportunities, and my family.”
What is something you have never been asked that you actually wish someone would ask?
“I wish someone would ask what the hardest thing I’ve overcome is that made me the player I am today. Or why I still love basketball.”
What is the one true thing about this life that nobody says out loud?
“Success usually comes with a lot of sacrifice. You miss birthdays, weddings, holidays, and time with family that you can never get back. And a lot of athletes tie their identity to their performance. When you’re playing well, life feels great. When you’re not, it can be hard not to let that affect how you see yourself.”
Next in When the Noise Stops: Andrej Zakelj, a coach who loves to track cyclones, and work in his garden.
When the Noise Stops is a written interview series by Milos Srdjanov for Basketball Sphere. It asks basketball people about everything except basketball.
