Motema Gets Providence Offer

Gemima Motema only played basketball on outdoor courts in the Republic of Congo most of her life. Her dream of earning a scholarship to get an education in America seemed a million miles away just two years ago but it came true yesterday when she was offered a full scholarship to play basketball at Providence College. Providence coaches saw Motema play last month in Atlantic City and were impressed with her athleticism so they invited her to their Elite Camp, where she again wowed the coaching staff. At the end of the day, Providence head coach Jim Crowley had seen all he needed to see and offered Motema a free education to play in the Big East for the Friars.
Motema was a first team All SMAA selection as a freshman before tearing her Achilles Heal last June, causing her to miss half the high school season for her Portland Bulldogs. Firecracker Head Coach Brian Clement said “Gemima is an unusual athlete who jumps as well as any female player I have ever seen. She is extremely prolific in transition and able to do things few women can do on the basketball court. She is also committed, humble, and team oriented. I am so proud of her as a player and person. She has an incredible story and her upside is very high.”