🏀 The Great Dane at Kronborg Castle: Bilal Raymond

*Editor's Note: For clarity and style consistency, some of Bilal Raymond's responses have been slightly edited. The essence and meaning of his words remain unchanged.

At 17 years old, standing at 6'3" and a Division 1 prospect, Bilal Raymond is charting his course through the tempestuous seas of high school basketball with the precision of a seasoned mariner. Now a senior in high school and in his second year playing professionally in the Basketligaen for BC Copenhagen, Bilal’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence, much like the ever-changing weather.

Despite not being the tallest player on the court, Bilal’s game is a paradigm of the power of adaptation. "I'm not the biggest on the court," he begins, his voice calm yet charged with the energy of a gathering storm. "Speed is my lightning bolt, striking swiftly and with purpose. My heart, like a relentless storm, pours everything into each game." Over the years, he has evolved into a leader, not through the booming thunder of command, but through the steady, persistent rain of consistency and dedication.

Reflecting on his journey, the year 2020 was a pivotal period, a time when the world seemed to stand still, frozen under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Bilal, it was a year of profound transformation. "All the gyms were closed, and isolation was the prevailing wind. That year crystallized my dream of basketball. Despite the bleak weather, I woke up at 6 AM daily, practicing through rain, snow, and darkness. That’s when I learned to weather any storm," he recalls, his eyes reflecting the steely resolve of one who has faced and conquered adversity.

Turning to his heritage, Bilal’s background is a rich mosaic of cultures that has been a guiding force in his life. "My mom is a choreographer, always in motion like the dance of the seasons. From dance to martial arts and basketball, movement has always been as natural as the changing winds," he explains, a hint of pride in his voice. This fluidity and adaptability have been crucial in shaping his approach to teamwork and personal growth.

A defining moment in his young career came during his debut game for BC Copenhagen against the formidable Bakken Bears. "I was nervous, unsure if I would get any minutes, as it was my first league game and I’m the youngest on the team. But when I got subbed in four minutes into the second quarter, it was like finding the calm eye of a hurricane. I just enjoyed the process and played my game," he says, a smile revealing the joy of that unexpected opportunity.

When discussing mental toughness, an essential trait for any athlete, Bilal cultivates it with care. "I follow a ritual before games, especially the high-stakes ones. Reading passages from 'The Inner Game of Tennis,' jotting down focus points in my journal, meditative breathing, and listening to music—these are my calm before the storm," he shares, his voice steady, a paradigm of his disciplined approach.

Furthermore, inspiration comes to Bilal from many sources, chief among them the legendary Kobe Bryant. "Kobe Bryant is my guiding star. His approach, mindset, and playstyle are winds I strive to follow. His discipline and greatness are clouds I aspire to touch." Yet, it is his mother’s unwavering support that shines brightest in his narrative, a constant source of warmth and encouragement.

Looking to the future, Bilal's goals are as clear as a bright blue sky. "In the short term, I aim to challenge myself at a high level and dream of going to college. Long-term, I see a career in the highest leagues, whether the EuroLeague or NBA, as my ultimate destination," he declares, his voice filled with the certainty of one who knows his path.

In terms of his game, Bilal’s strengths—his defense, shooting, and versatility—are like clear skies in his playbook. "Speed is my tailwind," he says. Currently, he focuses on game control and enhancing his playmaking abilities, ensuring he can steer his team through any tempest.

When balancing the demands of a professional athlete's life, it means his world revolves around basketball and school, much like the sun and moon governing the tides. "Basketball is my entire weather system. My friends are teammates, and my life revolves around the court and school," he admits, illustrating the singular focus that drives him.

Looking back, the basketball scene in Denmark has shaped Bilal profoundly. "Different coaches from around Europe have been like diverse weather patterns, each bringing new strategies and influences. My youth team, together for nine years, is my steady climate, growing alongside me," he reflects, acknowledging the impact of this unique environment on his development.

Beyond the court, Bilal is passionate about giving back. He is actively involved in Dime, a charity project that hosts basketball tournaments and collects gear for kids in Gambia. "It’s about spreading the warmth and light of basketball to places needing it most, like a sunbeam breaking through the clouds," he says, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.

Ultimately, as Bilal continues to evolve, his story is a vivid narrative of resilience and adaptability, shaped by the elements and guided by the stars. In the eye of every storm, he finds his calm, navigating the ever-changing weather of life and sport with unwavering dedication.

A heartfelt thank you to Bilal Raymond for making this interview possible. To follow Bilal's journey or get in touch, you can find him on Instagram @bilal.raymond__