The “Son of God” documentary offers an emotional look at Serge Ibaka’s life growing up poor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The most shocking part of the film is when Ibaka reveals he has an 8-year-old daughter, a fact he learned a few years ago.
The NBA star, who has been dating singer Keri Hilson for approximately three years, left the Congo having no idea his girlfriend was pregnant. After the birth of a beautiful baby girl named Ranie, Ibaka’s father provided for his granddaughter, while keeping her existence a secret from his son due to the fact he didn’t want his son to be stressed out as he was embarking on his journey as a professional basketball player.
Now a proud father who sees his daughter in the summer, he’s currently planning for her to come to the States soon. It didn’t take long for Ibaka to forgive his dad for keeping such a big secret from him.
“I always said to myself since I was young that if I make it to the NBA, I want young people to know my story, to know where I come from,” Ibaka said to Mashable after the screening. “I want young people to see how far someone can come from nothing to become something, and to try it for themselves.”
A story of courage and determination, this film has already garnered an award in my heart. The documentary will air on ESPN in April.
