About
About Me
Born and raised in London, Eric Boateng’s journey into basketball began at the age of fourteen when he was discovered by basketball TV presenter Freddie Morrison. Recognizing his talent, Morrison convinced him to pursue the sport seriously. Eric Boatengs’s dedication and passion for basketball led him to leave home at the age of sixteen to attend a boarding school where he could further hone his skills.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed as he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a regular fixture in the British basketball scene since his debut against Finland in 2006. Eric’s journey took a significant turn when he earned scholarships to attend both Duke University and Arizona State University in the United States. At Duke, he played under the guidance of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, a notable experience that would shape his career. During his time at Duke University, Eric had the privilege of training under Coach Krzyzewski for a year. Additionally, he proudly donned the Team GB jersey at the 2012 London Olympics.
Eric’s commitment to the sport extended beyond the court as he became a member of the British Olympic Association’s Athletes’ Commission, advocating for fellow athletes’ rights and welfare.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Global and International Studies, Eric embarked on a professional basketball career, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to the game. With years of experience both domestically and internationally, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the basketball community.
Beyond his achievements on the court, Eric Boateng has immersed himself in various facets of sports, including athlete welfare, sports governance, and mentorship. He serves as a proud athlete representative, leveraging his global and international experience to contribute meaningfully to the development of basketball and the welfare of athletes worldwide.
What’s Next?
Eric has enjoyed a basketball career that has seen him play at the highest level of the US college system, experience the NBA, play in professional leagues across the world, and become a British Olympian. After moving to the US at the age of 16, Eric earned national recognition during his time at high school before gaining a scholarship to play NCAA Division I college basketball.
After taking part in the NBA draft of 2010 and having preseason spells at the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, and the LA Lakers, Eric Boateng played professionally in the second tier of the NBA and in professional leagues in Greece, Germany, Argentina, and France. Eric was also a regular in the British basketball team after making his international debut at the age of 21 and represented Team GB at his home Olympics in London in 2012. Eric trains, oversees, and supports the head coach at each venue, bringing his extensive knowledge of the pro game to the camp.
He is a proud supporter of Team GB and always will be. Boateng will be supporting the next generation of athletes and British Olympians as he has been an elected representative at the British Olympic Athletes’ Commission. He is looking forward to supporting the future of the next generation using the unique experiences and expertise gained as a professional player and as an Olympian.
Eric is also the General Manager of the Brixton Topcats, which allows him to impact the lives of young people and families at the community level. He is also Director of Basketball for Nike-sponsored summer sports camps which affords him the ability to impact the lives of children and young people from all over the world. In total, 46 different nationalities participated in the basketball program last year, with 89 different nationalities attending the sports camp overall.
Since adopting new roles in the world of business, Eric has enjoyed expanding his skill set. Particular highlights along the way have included how to design effective curricula and build and present proposals to successfully secure business development opportunities. Other important areas of growth have focused on how to build relationships and partnerships, develop a team of staff, deliver operations, and manage budgets.
Eric is deeply inspired by the positive social impact that sport engenders and is hugely motivated to play a part in this through his various roles. He is still at the very start of the journey of my post-playing career and feels honored to be in a position to give back to a sport that has given him so much.