Myck Kabongo

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Myck Kabongo

| image = Myck Kabongo.jpg

| caption = Kabongo at Findlay Prep in 2010

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 3

| weight_lb = 180

| league = NBA G League

| team = Salt Lake City Stars

| position = Assistant coach
Player development ccoach

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|01|12}}

| birth_place = Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

| nationality = DR Congo / Canadian

| high_school = Findlay Prep
(Henderson, Nevada)

| college = Texas (2011–2013)

| career_position = Point guard

| career_number =

| draft_year = 2013

| career_start = 2013

| career_end = 2024

| coach_start = 2024

| coach_end =

| years1 = 2013–2014

| team1 = Austin Toros

| years2 = 2014

| team2 = Fort Wayne Mad Ants

| years3 = 2015

| team3 = Texas Legends

| years4 = 2015–2016

| team4 = Erie BayHawks

| years5 = 2016–2017

| team5 = BCM U Pitești

| years6 = 2017

| team6 = Rayos de Hermosillo

| years7 = 2018

| team7 = Zornotza ST

| years8 = 2018

| team8 = STB Le Havre

| years9 = 2018–2019

| team9 = Raptors 905

| years10 = 2019

| team10 = Guelph Nighthawks

| years11 = 2019–2020

| team11 = Svendborg Rabbits

| years12 = 2020–2021

| team12 = Akademija FMP

| years13 = 2021

| team13 = Ferroviário de Maputo

| years14 = 2021

| team14 = Al Rayyan

| years15 = 2021–2022

| team15 = Cape Town Tigers

| years16 = 2023–2024

| team16 = Scarborough Shooting Stars

| cyears1 = 2024–present

| cteam1 = Salt Lake City Stars (assistant)

| highlights =

CEBL champion (2023)
BAL assists leader (2021)
McDonald's All-American (2011)
Fourth-team Parade All-American (2011)

| bbr =

}}

Myck Lukusa Kabongo (born January 12, 1992) is a former Congolese-Canadian former professional basketball player currently working as an assistant coach and player development coach for the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns.

In international competition, Kabongo played for the DR Congo national team, with whom he played at AfroBasket 2017.

High school career

Kabongo started his high school career at Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute in Toronto in Grade 9. He then transferred before Grade 10 alongside fellow Canadian Tristan Thompson for a season-and-a-half at St. Benedict's Prep before Thompson was removed from the team{{cite web|last=Luicci |first=Tom |url=http://blog.nj.com/hssportsextra/2009/02/texas_recruit_tristan_thompson.html |title=Texas recruit Tristan Thompson kicked off St. Benedict's boys basketball team |publisher=NJ.com |date=February 11, 2009 |accessdate=July 12, 2011}} and transferred to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada. Kabongo stayed at St. Benedict's through his Grade 11 season before he transferred to Findlay Prep for 12th Grade year.{{cite web|last=Kabongo |first=Myck |url=http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/blogs/Myck-Kabongo/2010/05/07-headed-to-Findlay.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516075357/http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/blogs/Myck-Kabongo/2010/05/07-headed-to-Findlay.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 16, 2010 |title=Myck Kabongo: Headed to Findlay Prep |publisher=ESPN Rise |date=May 7, 2010 |accessdate=July 12, 2011}} Kabongo was the #10 player in the class of 2011 by Scout.com{{cite web|url=http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=4&cfg=bb&pid=88&yr=2011 |title=Scout.com Basketball Rankings - 2011 |publisher=Scout.com |date= |accessdate=July 12, 2011}} and in the ESPNU 100.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/rankings |title=ESPNU 100 Rankings - 2011 |work=ESPN.com |date= |access-date=July 12, 2011}} Rivals.com rated as the #26 player.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/rankings/rank-2288 |title=Rivals.com Basketball Rankings - 2011 |publisher=Rivals.com |date= |accessdate=July 12, 2011}} He was selected to play in the 2011 McDonald's All-American Game{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/mar/08/findlay-preps-myck-kabongo-mcdonalds-030811/ |title=Findlay Prep's Myck Kabongo the latest Canadian to go from Henderson to McDonald's All-American |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 8, 2011 |accessdate=July 12, 2011}} and the 2011 Jordan Brand Classic.{{cite web |url=http://www.jordanbrandclassic.com/Teams/2011-jordan-brand-classic-west-team.html |title=2011 Jordan Brand Classic: West Team |publisher=Jordan Brand Classic |date= |accessdate=July 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806185311/http://www.jordanbrandclassic.com/Teams/2011-jordan-brand-classic-west-team.html |archive-date=August 6, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

=College commitment=

Kabongo committed to Texas on January 12, 2009 on his 17th birthday.{{cite web|url=http://texas.scout.com/2/829371.html |title=Myck Kabongo is a Longhorn |publisher=Scout.com |date=January 12, 2009 |accessdate=July 12, 2011}} On October 30, 2010, Kabongo decommitted from Texas,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=5745649 |title=Texas loses its No. 1 prospect |work=ESPN.com |date=October 30, 2010 |access-date=July 12, 2011}} but 5 days later, he recommitted, and signed his letter of intent.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=5763617 |title=Myck Kabongo back with Texas |publisher=ESPN|date=November 4, 2010 |access-date=July 12, 2011}}

{{College athlete recruit entry

| recruit = Myck Kabongo

| position = PG

| hometown = Toronto, Ontario

| highschool = Findlay Prep

| feet = 6

| inches = 2

| weight = 170

| 40 =

| commitdate = November 4, 2010

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 5

| espn grade = 97

}}

{{College athlete recruit end

| year = 2011

| rivals ref title = Texas Basketball Commitments

| scout ref title = 2011 Texas Basketball Commits

| espn ref title = ESPN

| rivals school = texas

| scout s = 110

| espn schoolid = 251

| scout overall = 10; 2 (PG)

| rivals overall = 26; 5 (PG)

| espn overall = 10; 2 (PG)

| accessdate = July 12, 2011

| bball = yes

}}

College career

Kabongo started playing for Texas in the 2011–12 season. Kabongo was under investigation for alleged inappropriate contact with Rich Paul, an agent who also handles the contracts of former Findlay Prep and current NBA players Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph. Initially banned for the entire 2012–13 season, his suspension was later reduced to 23 games, and he made his debut in mid-February{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8488970/myck-kabongo-ncaa-investigation-possible-improper-benefits|title=NCAA probing Myck Kabongo|date=October 11, 2012|access-date=October 13, 2012}} and would go on to average 14.6 points per game in eleven games.

In April 2013, he declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.[https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2013/story/_/id/9163612/myck-kabongo-texas-longhorns-skip-final-two-seasons Myck Kabongo declares for draft]

Professional career

After going undrafted in the 2013 NBA draft, Kabongo joined the Miami Heat for the 2013 NBA Summer League. On September 30, 2013, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs.[http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/130930_spurs_training_camp_roster Spurs Announce Training Camp Roster] However, he was waived by the Spurs on October 15, 2013.[http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/131015_spurs_waive_cousin_kabongo_maggette Spurs Waive Cousin, Kabongo and Maggette] On October 31, 2013, he was acquired by the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League.[http://www.nba.com/dleague/austin/austin_toros_announce_trainig__2013_10_31.html Austin Toros Announce Trainig [sic] Camp Invitees] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110063045/http://www.nba.com/dleague/austin/austin_toros_announce_trainig__2013_10_31.html |date=2016-01-10 }}

On October 30, 2014, Kabongo was acquired by the Austin Spurs. On November 1, 2014, he was traded to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.[http://www.nba.com/dleague/fortwayne/mad_ants_finalize_201415_trai_2014_11_02.html Mad Ants Finalize 2014-15 Training Camp Roster][http://www.fortwayne.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20141102/SPORTS/320125215/1032/SPORTS02 Ants enter camp with 17 players] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103122609/http://www.fortwayne.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20141102%2FSPORTS%2F320125215%2F1032%2FSPORTS02 |date=2014-11-03 }} On December 29, 2014, he was waived by the Mad Ants after appearing in 16 games while averaging 8.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.[http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4909363 Mad Ants Cut Kabongo] On January 9, 2015, he was acquired by the Texas Legends.[http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4913573 Legends Acquire William Buford and Myck Kabongo] Five days later, he was waived by the Legends after appearing in just two games.[http://dleague.nba.com/news/transactions/ NBA D-League 2014-15 Transactions]

On October 31, 2015, Kabongo was selected by the Delaware 87ers in the second round of the 2015 NBA Development League Draft,[http://dleague.nba.com/news/2015-nba-d-league-draft-board/ 2015 NBA D-League Draft Board] only to be traded to the Erie BayHawks on draft night.[http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=5065470 Erie BayHawks Acquire 24th Overall Pick Myck Kabongo and Player Rights to D.J. Seeley]

On August 27, 2016, Kabongo signed with BCM U Pitești of the Romanian Liga Națională.[http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/romania/210555/myck-kabongo-signs-with-bcm-u-pitesti.html Myck Kabongo signs with BCM U Pitesti]

On January 4, 2018, Kabongo signed with Zornotza Saskibaloi Taldea of the Spanish Liga EBA.{{cite web|title=Zornotza signs Myck Kabongo|url=http://www.eurobasket.com/Spain/news/518253/Zornotza-signs-Myck-Kabongo|website=eurobasket.com|date=January 4, 2018}}

On February 23, 2018, Kabongo signed with STB Le Havre of the French LNB Pro B.{{cite web|title=Le Havre lands Myck Kabongo|website=eurobasket.com|date=February 23, 2018|url=http://www.eurobasket.com/transactions.asp?women=0}} Kabono joined the Guelph Nighthawks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2019, but was waived on July 22.{{cite news |title=Guelph Nighthawks release one of their top performers |url=https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-sports/guelph-nighthawks-release-one-of-their-top-performers-1597973 |accessdate=July 5, 2020 |work=Guelph Today |date=July 22, 2019}} Kabongo joined the Svendborg Rabbits in 2019.{{cite web |title=Myck Kabongo selected the top Congolese playing abroad in last week's games |url=https://www.afrobasket.com/DR-Congo/news/624316/Myck-Kabongo-selected-the-top-Congolese-playing-abroad-in-last-weeks-games |website=Afrobasket |accessdate=July 5, 2020 |date=March 17, 2020}} He averaged 12.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. On September 10, 2020, Kabongo signed with Akademija FMP in the Macedonian First League.{{cite web |last1=Chelidze |first1=Dimitri |title=Akademija FMP Skopje inks Myck Kabongo |url=https://www.usbasket.com/Canada/news/644121/Akademija-FMP-Skopje-inks-Myck-Kabongo |website=US Basket |accessdate=September 29, 2020 |date=September 10, 2020}}

On May 1, 2021, Kabongo signed with Mozambican club Ferroviário de Maputo to play in the Basketball Africa League (BAL).{{cite news |title=Fer.Maputo signs Myck Kabongo |url=https://www.usbasket.com/Canada/news/682040/Fer.Maputo-inks-Myck-Kabongo |access-date=May 2, 2021 |work=USbasket.com |date=May 1, 2021}} He was a key part of Ferroviário's run to the quarterfinals in the first BAL season.

Starting from November 2021, Kabongo played for Al-Rayyan in the Qatari Basketball League. On December 5, he scored 42 points and had 11 assists in a 111–91 win over rival Al Ahli.{{cite news |title=Myck Kabongo's double-double gives him the Player of the Week award among Congolese players abroad |url=https://www.afrobasket.com/DR-Congo/news/720057/Myck-Kabongo's-double-double-lands-him-Player-of-the-Week-award-among-Congolese-playing-currently-abroad: |access-date=9 December 2021 |work=Afrobasket.com |date=7 December 2021}}

On December 7, 2021, Kabongo joined South African champions Cape Town Tigers to play for the team in the 2022 BAL qualification games.{{cite news |title=Road to BAL 2022 : Myck Lukusa Kabongo à Cape Town Tigers |url=http://www.rue2ponpon.com/competitionsdiv.php?idpost=20211208092219 |access-date=8 December 2021 |work=LeCoindole |language=fr}}

National team

Kabongo represented the DR Congo national basketball team at the AfroBasket 2017 in Senegal/Tunisia where he finished among the top players in the categories assists per game (4.8) and steals per game (2.8).

Kabongo was invited to camp with Canada's national team for the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship but failed to make the final roster.[http://www.torontosun.com/2013/08/15/kabongo-and-scrubb-cut-from-team-canada Kabongo and Scrubb cut from Team Canada]

Amateur career

Kabongo competes for Overseas Elite in annual The Basketball Tournament. He was a point guard on the 2015 team who won TBT's $1 million prize.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thetournament.com/news/overseas-elite-uses-different-formula-once-again-way-victory|title=Overseas Elite uses a different formula once again on way to victory {{!}} The Basketball Tournament|website=www.thetournament.com|access-date=2016-04-27}}

Coaching career

On October 4, 2024, Kabongo was hired as an assistant coach and player development coach by the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League.{{cite web|title=SLC Stars Announce 2024-25 Basketball Staff|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/slc-stars-announce-2024-25-basketball-staff/n-6153799|website=OurSportsCentral.com|date=October 4, 2024|access-date=October 4, 2024}}

Personal life

Kabongo was born and raised in Lubumbashi, a city in Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo). He has four brothers, including actor Emmanuel Kabongo, and one sister Vanessa who obtained an athletic scholarship and played basketball at the University of Delaware from 2007-2012.{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: Toronto's Own Myck Kabongo Ready To Take On Nike CROWN LEAGUE |url=https://www.complex.com/sports/2017/07/exclusive-toronto-own-myck-kabongo-ready-take-nike-crown-league |access-date=2019-07-18 |website=Complex |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2020-01-26 |title=Kabongo: Fired up by Nollywood spirit |url=https://m.guardian.ng/life/kabongo-fired-up-by-nollywood-spirit/ |access-date=2021-06-05 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Setting the Tone with Actor and Entrepreneur Emmanuel Kabongo {{!}} Harry Rosen |url=https://www.harryrosen.com/en/editorial/emmanuel-kabongo-interview |access-date=2021-06-05 |website=www.harryrosen.com |language=en}} In 1998, Kabongo immigrated to Toronto with his family after five years of living in South Africa.{{Cite news |last=Schneller |first=Johanna |date=2022-04-06 |title=Meet actor Emmanuel Kabongo, the unstoppable force of energy the Canadian film and TV scene needs |language=en-CA |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-meet-actor-emmanuel-kabongo-the-unstoppable-force-of-energy-the/ |access-date=2022-07-23}}

Awards and honors

2011 McDonald's All-American team selection
2011 Jordan Brand High School All-American team selection
2012 Big 12 All-Rookie team selection
2021 BAL assists leader

BAL career statistics

| style="text-align:left;"|2021

| style="text-align:left;"|Ferroviário

| 4 || 4 || 34.2 || .236 || .208 || .826 || 5.0 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 6.8* || 2.3 || .0 || 12.5

| style="text-align:left;"|2022

| style="text-align:left;"|Cape Town

| 6 || 6 || 31.2 || .278 || .125 || .625 || 5.3 || 6.7 || 2.3 || .0 || 8.8

References

External links

[http://www.texassports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2381&path=mbball Texas Longhorns bio]
[http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Myck-Kabongo-5693/ DraftExpress.com profile]
[http://www.nbadraft.net/players/myck-kabongo NBADraft.net profile]

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:Austin Toros players

Category:Basketball players from Toronto

Category:Black Canadian basketball players

Category:Black Canadian sportsmen

Category:Cape Town Tigers players

Category:Canadian expatriate basketball people in the United States

Category:Canadian expatriate basketball people in France

Category:Canadian expatriate basketball people in Mexico

Category:Canadian expatriate sportspeople in Denmark

Category:Canadian men's basketball players