Junior basketball player Aaron Tchwanto Ntepndie’s journey from the courts of France to The Colony High School was more than just playing Basketball – it was about finding a home and a place where he felt valued. With the support of his teammates and the school, he was able to adjust to a new life and a new team.

Adjusting to a new culture and basketball environment was tough for Aaron, but with the support of his coaches and teammates, he quickly found his place.

“The hardest thing about coming to America was leaving family and friends. In the beginning, it was very difficult for me, but now I have friends and teammates because I played basketball, so it’s like my family, and I’m very happy to have been here.” Aaron said.

Ntepndie’s teammates played an important role in helping him settle in and feel comfortable with his new life.

Head basketball Coach Cleve Ryan said, “One of the biggest things that helped him were his other teammates on the team; showing him around, taking him to different events outside of school, church events, team dinners, and things like that. It really helped him feel like a part of the TC family.”

But even while adjusting to his new life outside of the gym, it was a completely different challenge on the court. 

“We have different types of basketball. American and European are very different, and for me, in the beginning, it was very crazy to play American basketball because everyone wants to be in the NBA. It was a tough thing, but here I have teammates that are like family, so they taught me to play American basketball. Next year, I’ll be ready.” Ntepndie explained.

As Ntepndie got more comfortable with the game, the bond between him and his teammates grew stronger, helping him feel more at home.

Junior Tre Burton shared, “We really be vibing like family. We took him out to eat, he was always asking me what I ordered, and I’d always tell him what I got. We took him to Waffle House the other day, and he said he believed in what I got. I told him what I got, and he enjoyed it.”

The team’s effort to include Ntepndie in their activities made him feel welcomed and accepted, like  he was like one of them.

“He fit us well, came in being tall – that’s what we really needed. He played his role well, getting rebounds for us and being a good teammate, always talking and communicating with us,” Tre Burton said.

“I’m just happy to have classmates and students be loud and thankful.”

 With the support of his teammates, family and coaches, he found more than success on the court – he found a family.