Ernest Nzigamasabo

Ernest Nzigamasabo (born October 27, 1969) is a Burundian former professional basketball player. He moved to the United States as a teenager so he could play basketball and spent his collegiate career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Nzigamasabo played professionally in Japan, Malaysia and Australia.

Early life Nzigamasabo was born to Salvator and Immaculee Nzigamasabo as the third eldest of their eight children. He is a Tutsi.

Nzigamasabo enrolled at Mound High School as a junior and successfully tried out for the basketball team. Nzigamasabo was contacted by 100 colleges during his senior season.

College career Nzigamasabo gained 40 pounds during his senior season at Mound and joined the Minnesota Golden Gophers with knees that ached from carrying so much weight. He lost the starting center position to senior Bob Martin during the 1991–92 season. He averaged 4.3 points per game during his senior season in 1993–94.

Professional career Nzigamasabo started his professional career in Japan and then played in Malaysia. He played for the Sydney Kings in the NBL during the 2000–01 season before he was released in January 2001.

Personal life Nzigamasabo speaks five languages including English, French, Swahili and his native Kirundi.