The Sunday Mail
Tinashe Kusema
ZIMBABWEAN international, Vitalis Chikoko is starting to feel right at home at his base in Pau, which is located in the northern Communes of France.
“l’ve been here for three seasons now and it’s been really great,” said the 27-year-old Zimbabwean center.
“The people are very welcoming, the weather is great and I think I have finally acclimatized to my surroundings and the culture here.
“On the court, it looks like I have finally made a name for myself here; a lot of people respect my game now and l have been growing and improving every single day.
“l am now one the best big men in the league, some even say one of the best players in the league,” he said.
Never has Chikoko’s new found comfort been so apparent than during the ongoing 2018/19 Ligue Nationale de Basket (LNB) commonly known as the Pro A.
Only last December, the Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez center made his debut at the French league’s All- Star Game, an experience he has since described as all too surreal.
“I had been to numerous all-star events, across the leagues I have played in, but it was mostly to watch and marvel from the stands,” said Chikoko.
“However, nothing really prepares you for actually playing.
“l was actually surprised by the setup and how everything is exactly the same as the NBA All-star games I grew up watching on television.
“What you do not see on television is the added pressure of actually knowing that the entire country is watching you play.
“There is the desire and need to impress and prove that you actually belong,” he said.
Chikoko went a step further last month, when he was named Most Valuable Player for the month of December in a tightly contested three-way battle against Miro Bilan of ASVEL and Paul Lacombe of Monaco.
The 27-year-old edged the competition, finishing with 47 percent of the votes, while Bilan and Lacombe could only muster 44 percent and 9 percent respectively.
During the month in question, Chikoko finished with an average of 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2 assists for a final evaluation of 21.7.
His contribution helped Elan Béarnais win all four of their matches.
On the accolade, Chikoko said; “I view it as a testament of the hard work I have put in since I have been here.
“It is sure to spur me on to work even harder and who knows, maybe, I might actually win the season MVP,” he said.
Chikoko is not very far off this target as his team is currently sits second on the log table, with 14 wins from 20 matches.
Only championship favorites Lyon-Villeurbanne have a better record with 15 wins from 20 games.
Chikoko has really grown into being one of the top players at his club, Elan Béarnais, averaging 14 points, six rebounds and two assists a game.
His current evaluation stands at 17.
