MSE & Eichelberger Interview

First-rate 2026, forward, 6’6”, Ahijah
Eichelberger grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, a hotbed of professional basketball players such as Draymond Green, Jason Richardson, Mark Macon and Terrance Roberson.

Recently, Eichelberger alongside Bates Fundamentals travel team captured the competitive Michigan Playmaker Tournament.

We had an opportunity to learn more about his developmental progress and combined potential.

Here’s our exclusive person-to-person with a highly-rated prospect in the country thus far.

MSE: What led you to playing basketball?

AE: I fell in love with the game watching my older brother Algevon who currently plays for Cleveland State University.

MSE: How can sports benefit you?

AE: The game teaches me how to express myself and how to build relationships.

MSE: Obstacles faced on your journey?

AE: Obstacles faced would definitely be COVID 19. When the virus hit I shut my game playing down. While other kids were still playing games I was at home. So it slowed my in-game experience.

MSE: How did you overcome those obstacles?

AE: I trained! Lived in the gym! Worked on fundamentals! That really helped me when it came time to play again.

MSE: What decisions did you make? 

AE: I decided to buy into training and working hard.

MSE: What did you learn from the experiences?

AE: I learned that basketball isn’t forever. And that things can happen. And it can be taking away.  So I can’t take it for granted.

MSE: What would you do differently?

AE: Just be better prepared mentally for things that happen and that are out of my control.