The American professional basketball league, aka NBA, improves day by day. While salary and the world effect were expanding, racial diversity was also increasing. In the 1980s, there was some inequality for foreign NBA players. But now, we have a lot of MVPs (Most Valuable Player) from foreign countries. With this trend, many Europeans are being drafted into the NBA. Cedi Osman is one of them. Cedi was born in Ohrid, in Macedonia. After four successful professional years at Anadolu Efes in Turkey, he was drafted into the NBA. Thus, the first part of the journey from Ohrid, the pearl of Macedonia, to the USA began successfully.

As I mentioned before, Cedi was born in Ohrid, and some relatives are living there now as well. He was born and grew up there, then moved to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country where he first started playing basketball. After playing here for a while, he went to Istanbul to start his pre-professional life. He became a Turkish citizen. In 2007, Osman signed a youth team contract with Anadolu Efes after his outstanding performance at KK Bosna, and his shining Turkey career continued till 2017. He gained a lot of prizes here, like being a Turkish All-Star Game and important trophies.

Then, after playing years in Anadolu Efes, he was drafted to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2017–2018 season, and the rookie season started. In his rookie season, he took a chance playing with LeBron James and his amazing teammates. He was one of LeBron’s favorites. He was teaching a lot of things to Osman. Cedi improved himself with his team, and for the first three years, he was selected to the NBA All-Star Rookie team. The prime periods of his career occurred in the first three years. While learning to be a good team player, he also brought great motivation to the team with his energy. His nickname comes from the energy he brings to the team. He fights in the field like a Jedi warrior in a Star Wars movie. That’s why his nickname is “The First Cedi”.

His aim to be a good person wasn’t limited to basketball. Besides playing basketball, he founded the Cedi Academy. This academy has become a training ground where children from disadvantaged areas can receive an in-depth basketball-centered education. It has about 40 branches in Turkey. This academy is expanding its basketball education day by day. It aims to bring children from the streets to basketball courts. He started this journey with his brother, a former basketball player, and together they run a very rewarding business.

Now in the middle of his career, Cedi is sharing his experience and energy with his teammates at the San Antonio Spurs. He has a key role as an experienced part of a new organization. Maybe he didn’t go on to become a big NBA star or average a triple-double. But he always continues to play with ambition and heart on the field. The adventure started in Ohrid, a small and sweet city in Macedonia, developed in Istanbul with the Turkish Basketball League, and continues with the NBA. We continue to follow and watch with pride. Good to have you, #thefirstJedi.

Batuhan Ege Şahin