Stephane Lasme

On December 17, 1982, Lasme was born in Port-Gentil, Gabon, to Retouano Romain and Onanga Liliane. He was brought up in Libreville, Gabon, his father being an oil company engineer. His mother, Liliane, was an economist. Lasme knew how to speak French and his native language of Myene in his childhood, but learned some English through high school classes.\n', ' Lasme grew up loving soccer, but began playing basketball at 14, when he was introduced to his school\'s coach. When asked on why he started playing the game, Lasme said, "I was growing faster than the other kids my age." One media report stated that he nailed a basketball hoop to a tree at age 15 and estimated the official NBA requirement of 10 feet, but instead put it 12 feet above the ground. He said, "I had a rim put in at my house. It was higher than 10 feet, though." His favorite players as a child were Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan, whom he used to watch on television by sneaking out of bed at night. He also grew up as a fan of Marcus Camby.\n', ' Lasme competed for Aveley Club Port-Gentil, a youth club that was designed to be an after-school program. He attended high school at Léon M\'ba in his native Gabon and was called up by Arimbi Nkolo, head coach of his country\'s national team. While at Léon M\'ba, whose basketball team competed in the African High School Federation, he played under Ebolo Firmin. Lasme also played for Capo Libreville in the 2002 FIBA Africa Basketball Club Championship.\n', '