Canka, a Samp fan in the UCLA: “Now I’m dreaming of the NBA”

Abramo Canka, a young man from Genoa, is living the dream at the moment, having been selected by UCLA, the University of California, Los Angeles, as the new guard of the basketball team that is set to take part in the next NCAA championship, which is the biggest competition of its kind for students across the world.

“UCLA is the best in sport and it could be a springboard towards my NBA dream,” explained the 20-year-old, who is half Albanian and has a Senegalese father, on the eve of flying to the USA.

“I’ve got this far down to myself and my mother, who’s made so many sacrifices for me. She’s my real idol.”

There’s a strong connection between him and his mother Albana, just as there is with Genoa and Sampdoria.

“I left at a very young age, but I grew up in the alleys here. I have friends in the city and then there’s Samp, the team with a special place in my heart. I’m still following the side nowadays with huge passion.

“I was at Marassi for the league-opener. Regardless of the result, it was a very good performance and I’m sure the team will entertain us.”