“It always felt like basketball chose me, not the other way around” – National basketball player Kimol Grimmond

– career started from a small hoop in the backyard

“It always felt like basketball chose me, not the other way around. Maybe it’s because it is in my blood because of my father…or maybe it was because in those times I needed to get involved in a sport that wasn’t talked about enough.”

Those were the words of 21-year-old national basketball player Kimol Grimmond, who presently plays with the Kwakwani Untouchables Basketball Club but he is soon to join his hometown team, Aroaima Snipers.

Born in the peaceful community of Aroaima, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), he is the 6th of seven siblings. Within a short space of time as a professional basketball player, he has already accumulated several accolades and received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the finals of the 2022 Regional Championships as well as in the 2022 National Schools Basketball Championships.
He is also a bronze medalist at the 2022 Caribbean Games 3×3 tournament, and is the MVP for the 2024 Teritary Tournament Champions.
Born under the star of Sagittarius, Grimmond is presently pursuing a diploma in Computer Science at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI). He attended the Berbice High School, but later transferred to the Hururu Academy, a private school, where he spent about one year before enrolling at the Kwakwani Secondary School.

While in 4th form, Guyana was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing him to be out of school for two years. He finally wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams at the Pure Masters Academy in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
When he started playing basketball in 2018, while in school, it was just him, his dad and the little hoop in their yard. Today he plays as Point Guard and a Power Forward, depending on the team he is playing for.

“At the time, my father, a former basketball player, had been teaching my sister and a few youths to play the game in our yard with a little hoop. After returning home to Aroaima for the Easter holiday, I, too, began learning the game with them for the couple of weeks. In those few weeks, I played my first basketball game,” he told Guyana Times Sport.
After the Easter vacation, he went back to Berbice but later took a transfer to a school closer to home. His returning home facilitated basketball becoming a big part of his life.

He recalled watching his first basketball game on television – Boston Celtics vs the Cleveland Cavaliers – game three of the Eastern Conference Finals.
“At that time I didn’t know any player in basketball, except Steph Curry, because my family is a big fan of his. But with a reverse dunk by this player, 12-year-old me said, ‘Yup, that’s my favourite player from now on…that player turned out to be Lebron James. After watching a few other games with the Cleveland Cavalier, I was convinced that he was indeed the greatest player in the game, and I wanted to be the same.”
He added, “It always felt like basketball chose me, not the other way around. Maybe it’s because it was in my blood from my father’s side; or maybe it was because in those times I needed the sport in ways that aren’t talked about enough,” he detailed.
“Basketball helped me get through high school. With the weight of being a student who always wanted to do great, basketball provided that peace and calmness (I) needed every time,” he explained.
He added that whenever he is a bit stressed, playing basketball dispels the stress. Getting involved in the game did not, in any way, affect his studies. In fact, he stated, balancing training and studies has never been a problem.
“I always say the exact amount of work I put into the game is the same amount of work I’ll put into my studies, and both fields are equally level since,” he explained.
He was always eager to play, and was finally given the chance in a competitive game against Kwakwani in their hometown.
“Though I wasn’t anywhere near being a good basketball player, I felt that hunger of wanting to win ever since. I’ve played countless teams around Guyana but the team I’ve played about 95% of times during my journey was against Kwakwani,” he disclosed.
His most memorable game was against President’s College in the 2022 National Schools Basketball Championships.
“The entire tournament was a movie for me, and with it being our first time playing as a team in Georgetown and out of our comfort zone, that made it even more memorable. We were crowned NSBF Champions that year, and I won my first MVP trophy.”
He attributed his achievements to team effort, since playing as a team means more than just passing the ball or running; but rather it’s about trust, sacrifice, and unity.
“Playing as a team means knowing that when I step on the court, I’m not alone. My teammates are my brothers, and we fight together, win together, and even lose together. It’s about putting aside personal glory for the greater good, making the extra pass, setting the right screen, diving for a loose ball — not because I have to, but because my team needs me to,” the young point guard related.
He has also thanked God for his successes thus far, while noting that prayer has been a huge part of his career in basketball. “There isn’t a game where I don’t put Him first before I step on that court to play. I’ve placed my skills, my knowledge of the game, and myself in His Hands, and He’s been great to me ever since.”
When asked about his rivals, he stated, “I wouldn’t say I have any rivals right now, but Kwakwani was without question, my biggest rivals when I was younger. The weekly matchup, the physicality of every match, the trash talking, it was what made the game intense and entertaining every time.”
Meanwhile, in five years, he sees himself continuing to excel with Guyana’s National Basketball Team, playing a key role in leading the squad to regional and international success.
“My focus will be on refining my skills and making a greater impact on the court. Through dedication and perseverance, I strive to help put Guyana on the map in the basketball world while inspiring the next generation of athletes.”
He has thanked his family, who has always been his biggest supporters. “There hasn’t been a game where they’re not in attendance or tuning in live while I’m playing. Their never-ending support is what continues to push me towards achieving something special in this game.”
At 21, there are lots of youngsters who look up to him as a role model. As such, he is imploring them to see basketball as more than just having the talent, but rather about discipline, hard work, and consistency.
“Stay dedicated to improving every day, whether it’s refining your skills, building your basketball IQ, or strengthening your mindset. Surround yourself with people who push you to be better, and never be afraid to learn from others. For those just starting, be patient with your progress; success doesn’t happen overnight. And most importantly, always remember why you started — let your passion drive you, and never lose the love for the game,” he is urging.
Off the court, this young, talented basketball player is a proud Seventh Day Adventist and a lover of the keyboard. He is also versed in writing poems and songs. His favourite colours are blue and white; and, with a grin, he said cook-up would take the trophy for his most loved dish.
“I couldn’t care less. It could be split peas, red eye beans or black eye peas cook up, I’ll clean the plate,” he smiled. And no! he is not taken.