To say that Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri exists a world apart from all other NBA executives is more than an exercise in hyperbole.

The Nigerian has endured one of the least likely paths to success, from playing street soccer in his hometown of Zaria to swapping text messages with buddy Drake on the state of the NBA's only Canadian franchise.

And although the Raptors are enjoying a great run this season -- sitting comfortably in second place behind the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavs -- Ujiri is anything but complacent.

He is, after all, representing two countries and an entire continent.

"I cannot fail," the 46-year-old told CNN, ahead of last weekend's annual NBA Global Game in London, where the Raptors beat the Orlando Magic in overtime.

"Failure is not an option for me," he reiterates in a typically relaxed manner that masks his intense work ethic. "There is a huge weight for me, even if it is for the continent of Africa to succeed; to succeed for my organization, and to succeed for the NBA. I think it's huge."

Given how he's beaten the odds so far, it would be foolish to bet on Ujiri's failure in any context -- even on galvanizing a team which hasn't advanced past the first round of the playoffs in 15 seasons.