StarsFrom Various Works Of Life Gather at London NBA game

The NBA on Thursday hosted a regular-season game for the sixth straight time in London, England, with the Orlando Magic taking on the Toronto Raptors as part of the NBA Global Games.

Stars from the worlds of sports and showbiz made sure to turn out in big numbers at a sold-out O2

Arena.

The event has proven a major success, and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, actor Michael B Jordan, and former and new Premier League stars Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Robert Pires were among the star-studded crowd sitting court-side.

But there were more in attendance, and West Ham United striker and Senegal international Diafra Sakho, who has scored three goals in 12 games this season, was one of them.

Others included Chelsea players Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas, Asmir Begovic, Kurt Zouma, Loic Remy and Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and club legend Thierry Henry.

Sakho, who joined the emblematic London club in August 2014 from French side Metz, made sure to repeat the experience after watching the Milwaukee Bucks trouncing the New York Knicks 95-79 in London a year ago.

This time around, Sakho was rooting for the Magic, but the game belonged to the Canadians who prevailed 107-103 in overtime for their fourth win in a row.

Sakho took a few minutes to talk to SuperSport.com and share his basketball experience.

“The atmosphere is incredible,” said the 26-year-old.

Then, he reminded that he follows the NBA career of fellow Senegalese Gorgui Dieng. “I am glad that he continues to represent Senegal, and Africa in general, so well in the NBA.”

And when asked to give his view on African basketball, Sakho recalled his own experience.

He was given the first professional steps with Metz, and insisted that was the door to the Premier League.

“Right now, I think African basketball hasn’t reached its potential yet. But if we have 10 or 20 players in the NBA, I am sure it’ll be a different story,” he said.

“But I understand that it is not easy to enter the NBA. Basketball players face similar hurdles as footballers who try to play in top football leagues such as the Premier League.

“NBA scouts need to keep watching new talents in Africa. I am sure there are lots of talents over there,” he offered.

When asked about West Ham's chances in the league, the Senegalese remained as confident. West Ham currently ranks fifth, and that’s their main objective, he pointed out.