BRAZZAVILLE, Congo — No amount of applause, no trophy or title could ever eclipse a father’s love for his baby girl.
From the moment they met, Serge Ibaka’s heart grew whole.
Ibaka said, “It’s a different love. Just the best love ever.”
The Thunder star was only 17 when he became a father.
It’s not unusual in Congo, where love blossoms early and teen pregnancy is rampant.
The Thunder star told us, “When I saw her I was like, I was like, can’t believe I’m a dad.”
Ibaka is a bright, beautiful little girl.
She’s full of laughter and speaks 5 languages.
Raine was eager to impress for her Daddy visiting Brazzaville, Congo last summer.
Raine shares her father’s selflessness and generosity.
When the 8-year-old was given candy, a rare treat here, Raine willingly shared it with every hungry mouth in this poverty-stricken neighborhood.
Sister Rosemary said, “They will break into smaller pieces and give it to everybody. One candy. It’s how we were brought up, to share the little we have you know.”
Raine Ibaka lives in Congo with her mom, but Serge is very much a part of her life.
He visits frequently and supports his family financially.
Ibaka told us, “I give her the best, everything because everything I do right now is for her.”
Ronnie hopes to one day come to America, eat at KD’s and see her daddy play basketball.
She had this message for the folks of Oklahoma City: “Hello Oklahoma City. I love you.”
She is an easy child to love and nobody loves her more than Serge.
“She’s like my best friend. You know? She’s like my best friend.”