The Long Road to Georgia State: The Eliel Nsoseme Journey

To say that Eliel Nsoseme has travelled a long road to get to Georgia State would probably be an understatement. A journey that began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, took him to Canada and then Ohio before landing in Atlanta isn't the typical AAU route that juniors take to get to college.

Then again, Eliel Nsoseme really isn't your typical college basketball player either. On the court, he is as tenacious as they come and will get in your face for every rebound. Off the court, he is a little more soft-spoken, has the heart of a lion, and is always smiling from ear to ear.

Nsoseme, coming off a season where he became just the seventh player to average a double-double in program history, will be looking to repeat on the success he had in the COVID-19 shorten season, and wants to accomplish even more including getting his teammates to an NCAA Tournament before his days with two college degrees from Georgia State are done.

But back to that journey. How exactly did "E" as he is referred to land at GSU? We will let him tell you in his own words.

"I truly thank God for the opportunity because a lot of people back at home who are more talented than me and never got this chance. I left the Congo when I was I was 18 and came to Canada where I didn't know anything. I didn't really know any English, just simple stuff, but I worked really hard on that and then on the court got in with an AAU team where we traveled the country.

"Before coming over, back at home, I was waking up at home at 3 a.m. to watch NBA teams. I knew those guys, but I didn't really know college coaches or much of that stuff. When I was playing Las Vegas in an AAU tournament, coaches started to see me. I ended up at Cincinnati, which was great for a couple of years, but then it got to a point where I needed a change.

"Making the change to come to Atlanta was one of the best decisions I ever made. I love the city, love the coaches, love the players and people. We have unbelievable players here who are pushing each other every day. The support we have here is incredible – everyone around the program. I have even though about retiring in this city 10 or 20 years from now. My family is far away from home, but I really have a family here and I am proud to say that."

One of the hashtags used throughout athletics is #PantherFamily and it truly is more than just a saying. It is a part of the culture of Georgia State that Nsoseme and many others get to experience on a daily basis. And it isn't just while they are a GSU student-athlete, it continues long after their days on campus are done.

For now though, Nsoseme and the Panthers are focused on one thing and one thing only – getting ready for opening night on Nov. 9.

Georgia State will play 15 home contests this winter in the final season of the GSU Sports Arena. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit GeorgiaStateSports.com/Tix or call 404-413-4020 during normal business hours.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Eliel Nsoseme: F; 6' 8"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#1 Eliel Nsoseme
: 6' 8"; Senior
: F

Players Mentioned

#1 Eliel Nsoseme

Players Mentioned

#1 Eliel Nsoseme