Serge Jonas Ibaka Ngobila is a renowned basketball player for the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has been playing basketball since 2007. He played for the Republic of Congo youth team in his initial years. Since he moved to Spain during his teenage years, therefore, he currently represents Spain officially in international competitions.

Personal Life

Ibaka, born on 18th September 1989 in Brazzaville , Republic of Congo was born in a basketball player family. His mother represented the Democratic Republic of Congo whereas his father played with the Congolese national team. He is the fifteenth child of his parents. Her father was imprisoned during second Congo war and mother died at an early age. Thereafter he started playing basketball at a very tender age to cope up with the tragedy.

At 17 years of age, Serge joined a second division basketball team in France. Then, he basketball player moved to Spain, learnt Spanish, and started playing with second division basketball club. He was honoured with MVP award at Reebok Eurocamp in 2008 and was noticed by the NBA scouts.His excellence got him selected for the NBA team and his career starters to rise. He dated R&B singer Keri Hilson in 2012 but ended his relationship in 2016. Serge is blessed with a daughter, Annie.He can speak Lingala, French, Spanish and English. He has a great fan following on social media. 

Career

Ibaka was the first player to be selected from the Republic of Congo. Seattle Supersonics selected him in 2008 NBA draft. He then signed a three-year contract with Ricoh Manresa in Spain ACB league. Oklahoma City Thunder was mesmerised by his performance and signed a two-year contract with him in 2009. Ibaka was admired for his energy in defence as well as in rebounding. He was ranked 29 in 2009-2010 season. He is the youngest player to get 7 blocks in a playoff game in Los Angeles.He was offered a two-month contract with Real Madrid in Spain during 2011 NBA lockout.

Ibaka gave his first career triple-double against Nuggets in February 2012. He was at the zenith of his career when he signed a four year deal with the Thunder worth $48 million. The basketball player was determined towards his game and improved his scoring average from 7- 13.2 in the 2012-2013 NBA season.

Serge had an average of 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in 2014. Unfortunately, he suffered a calf injury which restrained him from playing and his average score dropped to 12.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.He rejoined the game in 2015 with greater zeal and recorded his careers greatest scoring of 21 points and 22 rebounds. He was ranked Defensive player of the year for 3 consecutive years.

Serge had to undergo arthroscopic surgery on the right knee in 2015 and was advised by the doctors to take full rest during recovery. He then joined Orlando Magic in 2016 as the 11th pick of NBA draft. November 13, 2016, was a red letter day of his career when he won over his former team thunders with a great score of 31 points. The basketball player was hired by Toronto Raptors on 14 February 2017 with a first draft pick and signed a three year $65 million contract on 7 July 2017 with them.

He was desirous to play for the national basketball team of Spain. Therefore after being granted with the Spanish citizenship, he played at the international level. In Eurobasket 2011, Ibaka’s team won the gold medal. In 2012 summer Olympics his team grabbed a silver medal. He was honoured with the NBA blocks leader award for two consecutive years.