Hong Kong’s Luigi Lam closer to her dream of playing US college basketball with admission to Illinois Wesleyan University
- Lam, who will play in Division III of the NCAA, was coached by Strive Fitness’ William Lo, the man who guided Yannie Chan
- Also heading to the US will be Mathilda Toure, 19, and Karina Lin Ue-shan, 16, who will both attend the Storm King School in New York
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No dream is too big for Luigi Lam Cheuk-ying as the former captain of the city’s under-18 women’s basketball team continues to pursue her dreams on the hardwood floor.
The Hongkonger believes she is a “big step closer” to her dream, one that is 10 years in the making, after the 19-year-old was admitted to Illinois Wesleyan University, where she will play in the United States’ National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament in 2025.
The NCAA is the premier competition for college basketball. Lam’s team will play in Division III.
“I’ve dreamed of playing basketball in the US so the idea of actually going still feels surreal,” Lam said. “I want to compete at the highest level, to secure the NCAA Championship and ultimately pursue a career as a professional player.”
Behind that dream has been a lot of hard work, dedication and practice. And those days and nights at Strive Fitness in Wong Chuk Hang with coach and co-founder William Lo Wing-kwan have also proved instrumental.
“My seemingly impossible childhood dream has turned attainable with those three years with the programme,” Lam, captain of the Strive Gold Team, said. “But I know it will take much more effort [to achieve it].
“It’s been quite a journey so far. I have faced challenges but I learned to see them as opportunities to grow and I believe this mindset that I build now must help me in the future.”
The teenage combo guard, who excels in both shooting and ball handling, added that the pain and challenges in basketball not only made her a stronger, better person but also built her resilience – “a powerful lesson” she learned from 11-time NBA All-Star Allen Iverson, Lam’s idol.
“What truly resonates with me is his relentless determination as an underdog, his ability to persevere through injuries, and his eventual recognition as the league’s MVP,” she said.
Lam is not the only local teenage player that coach Lo has sent halfway around the world to pursue their basketball dreams.
“Yannie paved the way for the girls coming up,” said Lo. “She showed them what is possible if you put your mind to something, regardless of where you’re from.
“Hong Kong is a small place and sometimes we may forget how big the world is and how much it has to offer.”
Also heading to the US will be Mathilda Toure, 19, and Karina Lin Ue-shan, 16. Both will attend the Storm King School, an independent co-educational boarding and day school in New York.
Born to a Guinean father and a Swedish mum in Stockholm, Toure started playing basketball at the age of 11, and like all other girls playing at the local municipal club, she always wanted to play “DII or DI level” college basketball in the US.
“I truly idolise the female players who are carrying women’s college basketball: Juju Watkins, Angel Reese and Hannah Hidalgo,” said Toure, who is studying at Hong Kong Academy in Sai Kung. “I look up to these girls because they are similar in age to me and doing miraculous things.
“They are changing not only the course of female basketball but also basketball history. Watching them inspires me. It makes me feel like I can do what they’re doing.”
Lin, the youngest among the trio, is also looking forward to playing in the US. The Kowloon True Light student said she wants to experience the culture and explore the technological advancements that are “possibly not available” in Hong Kong.
