Barra Njie may be one of the most intriguing 2001 born playmakers in Europe thinking long term. Herky jerky point guard has mind blowing open court speed and ability to get downhill at will. He is extremely tough to keep in front and uses every space that defense gives him. Off the court he possess quite an interesting but still very basketball oriented background.
My parents are born in Gambia while I was born in Sweden. My dad, sister and brother played basketball – that’s really how i got involved with it.”
He impressed many scouts at Baltic Sea Basketball Cup on the beginning of 2017 but unfortunately we couldn’t watch him in blue yellow jersey during FIBA U16s in Podgorica last summer.
“I spent my summer in Fryshuset just working on my game and getting ready for the US. I didn’t play European championship because I had to go to United States early.”
Mentioned Fryshuset is the activity center for young people offering social and educational projects. Their basketball association is the largest in Sweden and possess First division team. Barra has his two countrymen in St. Benedict’s roster as Ebrima Dibba and Musa Jeng paved a way for him as they took the same road from Stockholm team all the way to Newark one year before.
“It feels much easier having actually 3 Swedish teammates on our team. It just made the whole transition easier. You always have someone to speak to.”
However USA was not the only option in front of Njie when he decided to took his talents away from Sweden.
“It was different teams who contacted me, for an example Real Madrid which is a great Club but me and my family had already made the decision to go to US.”
With first season coming to an end Barra may have a accurate feeling about transition to new basketball style that he faced outside of Europe.
I’ ve always liked the pace that game is played in US but there are some rules which was kinda hard to get used to. And people here are stronger and more athletic so those are things you need to get used to.
Despite the helpful presence of his Swedish crew and fitting into the United States system he had one more tough adjustment to make.
“I was pretty unhappy and unsatisfied in the beginning but I had to learn to keep working hard and stay patient. They already had a senior lead guard so my role was to back him up and do the best of the minutes I am given. But I know for sure that when I finally have a bigger role it all will get totally different and a lot of people will get shocked.”
It is understandable that as sophomore it’s hard to be a difference maker while being new to the team which by the way is one of the best in entire nation. Moreover there is a real star in the roster and arguable NBA prospect – Precious Achiuwa. 6’9 forward is five star & Top 10 recruit in the country of 2019 class. What is it like to have him on the team?
“It’s great to have Precious on the team because he does small things that are very important and he is a good role model. I wanna be where he is at right now so it’s just good to learn from him every day.”
What does it take for Barra to get closer to that level?
“I would say that I am working a lot on my strength, athleticism and just being a better leader.”
Also there is one more crucial change which however comes naturally. Last time we saw Njie in action he was around 5’11 but he definitely seemed to not be done growing especially considering father or siblings height.
“Right now i am around 6’2 and would think that I am still growing.”
When asked about future plans Swedish guard answers without hesitation: “I see myself playing in NBA in a few years.” He may have some qualities which can resemble Dennis Schroeder or John Wall to some degree. Next years will tell if he can step them up to totally different level and get through enormously competitive field in United States in order to be considered high major or ultimately Draft prospect.
