{
  "id": 2457269,
  "title": "My basketball dream ended after visa denial — Ex-BBNaija star Hermes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/my-basketball-dream-ended-after-visa-denial-ex-bbnaija-star-hermes",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T00:26:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/my-basketball-dream-ended-after-visa-denial-ex-bbnaija-star-hermes/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hermes Iyele, a former BBNaija housemate, has remained passionate about basketball even after his successful entertainment career. In an interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE, he shared his basketball journey, love for LeBron James, and plans to contribute to the sport in Nigeria. Hermes started playing basketball to secure a scholarship abroad but was denied a visa. Undeterred, he continued to play and later worked with the NBA. Despite basketball not being his original plan, he emphasizes that experiences like these teach valuable lessons. Hermes continues to play basketball every Tuesday and Thursday, and describes his play style as small forward. He acknowledges Jordan's influence on his style of play. Hermes has contemplated playing professional basketball for Nigeria, but believes it would require additional conditioning. He remains open to returning to the sport if given the chance. Hermes is also a dancer and believes that his dancing skills enhance his basketball performance. He supports LeBron James' team, the Philadelphia 76ers, and believes Nigerian basketball can improve with better collaboration between the private sector and government.",
  "summary": "Ex-BBNaija star Hermes Iyele opens up on his unfulfilled basketball dream, visa denial, love for LeBron James, and plans to impact Nigerian basketball. Read More: https://punchng.com/my-basketball-dream-ended-after-visa-denial-ex-bbnaija-star-hermes/",
  "key_points": [
    "Hermes Iyele, ex-BBNaija star, passionate about basketball.",
    "Denied visa for basketball scholarship abroad.",
    "Continues to play basketball, influenced by Jordan."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Hermes' unfulfilled basketball aspirations, though initially thwarted by a visa denial, have evolved into a lifelong passion that continues to influence his life and future plans.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "My basketball dream ended after visa denial — Ex-BBNaija star Hermes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/my-basketball-dream-ended-after-visa-denial-ex-bbnaija-star-hermes-2461260",
        "published": "2026-08-22T00:52:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}