“My uncle has always been my role model, and his career progress is an inspiration to me.” – Chloe Laker – Sbk Sports Mail

Chloe (in black) in a training session with friends. Photo Courtesy.

Meet Chloe Laker, affectionately known as “Coco,” the ‘next big thing’ in Ugandan basketball. At just ten years old, she is already making waves in the sporting world as a primary five pupil at Winston Day and Boarding Primary School, Kawempe. The school is part of the prestigious Sir Apollo Kaggwa Schools, a renowned institution dedicated to academic and extracurricular excellence. Chloe’s talent, drive, and determination have caught the attention of many, sparking curiosity about the rising basketball star.

Chloe is not just any young athlete; she’s a standout talent being nurtured at The iHoops Basketball Academy, a premier training center dedicated to developing young basketball talents. The academy, located at the MTN Arena in Lugogo, focuses on molding future basketball stars, training children between the ages of seven and eighteen. Chloe’s progress at the academy has been nothing short of impressive, with coaches and peers alike praising her commitment, skill, and enthusiasm for the game.

For those familiar with the Ugandan basketball scene, especially within camps and tournaments highlighting upcoming talents, Chloe Laker has become a familiar name. Her performances have not only entertained spectators but also offered a glimpse into the bright future of Ugandan basketball. Her agility, ball-handling skills, and court awareness have left many in awe, earning her respect and admiration within the local basketball community.

In an exclusive interview, Chloe shared her journey and how she fell in love with the game of basketball. Her passion for the sport began at a young age, driven by her desire to excel and her admiration for iconic basketball figures. She talked about the support she receives from her family, coaches, and school, all of whom have played a pivotal role in shaping her early career.

“Coming from a family having basketball players certainly helped me as individual. From a very young age, I had an uncle who played and he’s still playing basketball and a brother who plays basketball also.”
She opened up before adding.

“I had a lot of basketball knowledge passed to me from really a young age and I believe without that help from within my family, it would have been very difficult for me to be the player I am today.”

Chloe ‘coco’ posing after receiving her medal during one of the basketball camp organised by the iHoops basketball academy.

When asked about her dream as a basketball player in the future, she continued.

“I’d think it’s the same mentality as any other young girl or boy playing basketball, no one wants to settle for second best”

“I want to be the best at everything I do whether basketball, at school, singing etc”

“My dream is to become the best female basketball player in Uganda so that I can emulate the legacy of my uncle Ben Komakech who plays for City Oilers as a point guard in the Uganda national basketball league”
She added

Chloe is relishing her remarkable ascent as a primary five pupil, drawing profound inspiration from her uncle. Her journey is marked by an impressive blend of enthusiasm and determination, and her uncle’s influence serves as a guiding beacon, fueling her ambition and shaping her path with unwavering support.

“My uncle has always been my role model and his career progress is an inspiration to me. He’s definitely someone I have compared my game to a lot in recent years, his achievements are motivating me to remain focused on attaining such great heights.”
She stressed

Chloe enthusiastically appealed to all schools to actively involve children in a diverse range of co-curricular activities. She emphasized the significant benefits these activities provide, fostering not only personal growth but also valuable skills that complement academic learning.

“I kindly appeal to all schools and teachers in Uganda to engage their pupils or students in different co-curricular-activities since they are very essential for our growth as children.”
The llittle magician appealed to all schools and teachers in Uganda

Many basketball trainers and enthusiasts highly regard Chloe as one of the top players in her age group, with many believing she is poised to become ‘the next big thing’ in Ugandan basketball. This acclaim stems from her exceptional attributes and the remarkable potential that observers collectively see in her.

“Chloe has almost all attributes any basketball player would wish to possess including great dribbling skills, excellent passing and extremely good work rate. A complete player already who just needs proper guidance in order to make her dream come true”,
One of her Games and sports teacher at Winston Day and boarding Primary school Kawempe highlighted.

Chloe’s uncle is both delighted and immensely proud of her achievements. He passionately encourages all parents to support their children wholeheartedly, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and utilizing the God-given talents that each child possesses.

“Parents should keep on supporting their children because these sports activities like playing basketball are so important in the life of their children instead of playing video games.”

“I also encourage those with talented basketball kids to always give their children chance to be part of the various camps organized by different basketball academies because these camps offer an opportunity for kids to learn the basics of the game at an early stage”

“Like any other game, the game of basketball builds and instills confidence in the children and introduces them to other opportunities like leadership.”
He said

A quick glance at Chloe Laker.

Name : Chloe Laker.

Age. 10 years.

Nickname : Coco.

Position in the family: second born in the family of four children.

Father : Mr Paul Oketta.

Mother : Ms Veronica Mukite.

School :Winston day and boarding primary school kawempe.

Class: Primary Five.

Best friends : Nassali Nailla Mimi,Naggayi Rhonah and Ssekito Hibah.

Basketball academy : Ihoops basketball academy.

Prefered position : point guard number eight.