Spring Break
Winbush takes summer trip to Africa after father's death
Sam Hitchcock
Issue date: 8/26/08 Section: Sports
He was impressed by how much the Ghanaians embrace a consumer economy and emphasize education.
"Education is really big in Ghana, possibly more valued in Ghana than America," Winbush said. "People will do anything to get to go to college; I met a person in the Air Force who worked there for many years so he could save up enough money to go to college."
Nick said he had a spiritual and emotional experience when he visited the dungeons off the Cape Coast, where many African slaves were kept.
"You learn about in school how bad it is," he said. "But then to see it is different. It gives you an image of the inhumanity. It really amazed me how they kept 200 people in there because of the startling humidity and poor sanitation."
Nick's journey ended with a visit to Kumasi to see Okomfo Anoyke's calling of the Golden Stool, a relic from the early Asante Kingdom which was brought down from the heavens by Okomfo Anoyke to Osei Tutu, the first Asante king. Legend has it that this symbol united the kingdom of Asante for many years.
Ultimately, Nick said the encouragement of his family and emotional connection he shared with his uncle was palpable.
At Miami, coach Henderson is excited to see how the effects of the trip will play out on the court. Henderson described him as a "prize recruit" coming into last year, and is confident that he will develop into a great player.
"Nick is one of our hardest workers," Henderson said. "He is an eager learner and has an unwavering commitment to the game. It's going to carry him."
"Education is really big in Ghana, possibly more valued in Ghana than America," Winbush said. "People will do anything to get to go to college; I met a person in the Air Force who worked there for many years so he could save up enough money to go to college."
Nick said he had a spiritual and emotional experience when he visited the dungeons off the Cape Coast, where many African slaves were kept.
"You learn about in school how bad it is," he said. "But then to see it is different. It gives you an image of the inhumanity. It really amazed me how they kept 200 people in there because of the startling humidity and poor sanitation."
Nick's journey ended with a visit to Kumasi to see Okomfo Anoyke's calling of the Golden Stool, a relic from the early Asante Kingdom which was brought down from the heavens by Okomfo Anoyke to Osei Tutu, the first Asante king. Legend has it that this symbol united the kingdom of Asante for many years.
Ultimately, Nick said the encouragement of his family and emotional connection he shared with his uncle was palpable.
At Miami, coach Henderson is excited to see how the effects of the trip will play out on the court. Henderson described him as a "prize recruit" coming into last year, and is confident that he will develop into a great player.
"Nick is one of our hardest workers," Henderson said. "He is an eager learner and has an unwavering commitment to the game. It's going to carry him."
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