Former Santa Clara basketball player providing opportunity to young athletes in Cameroon NBC Bay Area [Video]

Though it’s been a decade since Yannick Atanga last played basketball at Santa Clara University’s Leavey Center, the home court still feels very much like home to him.

“It’s a home away from home feeling you can’t describe and can’t get anywhere else,” Atanga said. 

Growing up in Cameroon, he faced the loss of his mother at the age of 12, a tragedy that made him feel lost. But at 14, he discovered something that helped him regain his footing: basketball.

“It became like my safe haven,” Atanga said. “I think I found peace in it. I found it was a place where I don’t have to worry about tomorrow. I don’t have to worry about food. I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Atanga dedicated all his free time to honing his skills in basketball. His hard work paid off when he earned the MVP award at a prestigious …