Former D’Tigers player Skambo Morrison has welcomed the appointment of Dave Fizdale as head coach of Nigeria’s men’s national basketball team but warned that local players must not be overlooked in the process.
Reacting to the decision by the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Morrison admitted that hiring a coach with NBA pedigree is a major positive for Nigerian basketball.
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“It’s a welcome development,” he said.
However, the former national team player expressed concerns that the focus could shift almost entirely toward players based abroad.
“There is a danger local players get ignored,” he implied.
Morrison explained that the pressure to qualify for major international tournaments may push the technical crew toward relying heavily on foreign-based professionals.
“The attention may move overseas,” he noted.
He stressed that home-based players still require opportunities and support if Nigerian basketball is to grow sustainably.
“Local talent must still be developed,” he added.
To help bridge the gap, Morrison called for Nigerian coaches with domestic experience to be included within Fizdale’s technical crew.
“Home-based coaches should be involved,” he stressed.
According to him, local coaches understand the domestic system better and can help connect national team structures with players within Nigeria.
“They can help local players adjust,” he said.
The appointment of Fizdale has generated excitement across Nigerian basketball, particularly regarding the possibility of attracting more NBA-linked talent.
For Morrison, the message is clear.
Welcome international expertise.
But don’t neglect local development.
Because strong national teams need both elite overseas talent and a healthy domestic foundation.
