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26 November 2025  3 min read

Academy Spotlight - Barking Abbey's Kamilah Yakubu

Next in the series is Barking Abbey's Kamilah Yakubu, finding out more about her plans, her goals for the future, and how she got started in the game.

Previous spotlights

HHS Reading Rockets' Nick Dent

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Name: Kamilah Yakubu
Position: Point Guard
Team: Barking Abbey

Tell us a little about yourself:

"My basketball journey started in Bristol. I started as a footballer, however when I got to secondary school I began playing basketball.

"The school had basketball try-outs but only had a boy's team at the time. The coach let me try out surprisingly, I got in, and from there I was in the basketball academy training early mornings and evenings to improve my skills.

"By Year 9 I'd made it into England and the Aspire set up, and I went from there."

Can you a remember a moment when you decided basketball was something you wanted to play more seriously? What happened?

"After I got selected in the national team. I quit football and decided to take basketball seriously as basketball was going further and I was enjoying it."

What have been the biggest challenges of your basketball career so far? 

"My biggest challenge so far has been living away from home.

"Learning how to live completely independently, learning how important nutrition is, learning discipline and what time to go to sleep. Balancing schoolwork with academics.

"It’s been hard, but I've been enjoying it."

Who is the toughest player you’ve faced? What made them so difficult to play against?

"When I played in the One Tournament, in the European Semi-Final I went up against a French player called Eva Habilil.

"She was a reigning champ from the previous year so I already knew it would be a tough match up.

"I think I gave a decent fight, though I think her explosiveness made her the quickest I've ever played against."

What are your goals for the season, and beyond?

"Getting into WEABL Playoff Final and Jnr. NBL Cup finals, and receiving some options for post-Barking.

"I'd love to get a NCAA Division One offer and get a full scholarship to America to continue my academics and basketball journey. From there, I always dream about the GB Women's National Team too."

What are you currently working on to take your game to the next level?

"My 3-point shot, polishing my finishing and touch around the rim. And improving my IQ, playing out of the pick and roll."

What advice would you give someone who is just getting started in basketball?

"I would say reps are always very important, and staying motivated to keep pushing, even if things are not going your way."

Who is your favourite basketball player and why?

"My favourite basketball player is MiLaysia Fulwiley from LSU, because of the way she plays with swag, and she’s not scared to try to risky moves on the court, which is what i could incorporate in my game, the confidence she plays with is inspiring."

Find out more about the EABL

All image credits - LV Vis