Editor's note: The 2016-17 High Point University men's basketball primer will take a look at storylines surrounding the Purple & White heading into a season filled with potential and fresh faces. Check back each week of the preseason for a new feature on HighPointPanthers.com.

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HIGH POINT, N.C. – The sporting calendar in 2016 has been filled with events that evoke a deep sense of national pride.
 
Whether it was the U.S. Olympic Team racking up a record number of medals or the United States Ryder Cup Team reclaiming the cup for the first time since 2008, Americans had a lot to be proud of in 2016.
 
Playing to represent your country is a rare occurrence in an athletic career and it's something Brandon Kamga values a great deal.
 
The High Point University redshirt-freshman and transfer from Northeastern University is a native of Cameroon. He lived in the African nation until he was six years old, when his family moved to their current community in the DC Metro area.
 
This summer, when Kamga began preparations to transfer to High Point University, he received an intriguing message on Facebook.
 
The coach of the Cameroon National Team inquired if he would like to suit up and play for his native country over the summer.
 
Kamga checked with his parents and got the thumbs up. He was off to spend the better part of June and July in China, where his country would be competing in an exhibition tournament against a series of countries.
 
He set off on his expedition in late June, which included stops in the cities of Nanning and Shenyang.
 
"Competing in the tournament was an eye opening experience," Kamga said. "We had the opportunity to see and live the culture of China. I learned a lot while I was there."
 
The Cameroon squad had a few days to practice, before the first round-robin that included games against Australia, Serbia and a Chinese Basketball Association Team.
 
For Kamga, the contests against Australia and Serbia afforded him the unique opportunity to suit up against a number of players that would later compete for their home countries in the Summer Olympics. Serbia went on to win the silver medal.
 
"It was a great experience to play against professionals and see what the game is like compared to college," Kamga said. "I learned a lot. The guys are bigger and stronger. It's a challenge playing against a bunch of grown men. You have to play differently to succeed."
 
Cameroon then played another series of contests against the three teams before heading back to the states. The team's coaching staff was pleased with the squad's development throughout the tournament.
 
Kamga would like to play for Cameroon again if given the opportunity, but for now, his focus is on a bright future with the High Point University basketball team.
 
Kamga must sit out the 2016-17 season due to NCAA guidelines, but will be able to practice with the team and continue to develop his game during his redshirt year.
 
The HPU coaching staff is excited to welcome Kamga into the program. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining, beginning in 2017-18.
 
"Brandon's a guy we recruited for a long time," head coach Scott Cherry said. "We love his toughness, his ability to score the ball and his ability to defend. A year sitting out will give him the opportunity to get stronger, faster and better. It's great to welcome a player with Div. I experience. He's a great all-around guard, he's tough and he plays with an edge."
 
Kamga has all the tools necessary to enjoy a successful career with the Purple & White, and the experience of playing against some of the best players in the world will only add to that potential heading into next season.

2016-17 Men's Basketball Primer Archive
Oct. 3: HPU holds first official practice of 2016-17
Oct. 6: The Trials of Miles
Oct. 13: HPU game at Vandy to air on SEC Network Plus
Oct. 18: Men's hoops hosts annual Barbecue and Ball
Oct. 19: Men's basketball hosts 2016 Media Day
Oct. 20: HPU announces additional game broadcasts
Oct. 25: Men's hoops picked 5th; Bowman Jr. makes 2nd team
 
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