August 03, (THEWILL) – The 20th edition camp of Basketball Without Borders Africa with 60 boys and girls from 24 African countries has opened in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Basketball Without Borders Africa is a global collaboration of National Basketball Association (NBA) and International Basketball Federation (FIBA), geared towards developing high-school-age basketball prospects across Africa.
In the 2024 edition which is held between the 3rd and 6th of August at the American International School of Johannesburg, three Nigerian teens, Ajala Chidalu David, David Ugonna Ike and Dante Niiayi Otite, are among the selected 60 participants from 24 African countries.
According to Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer of NBA Africa, the exciting news about Basketball Without Borders Africa is the consistency of the initiative and development of African basketball players who have gotten to the peak of the game.
“Over 1,600 campers have passed through the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp since 2003 and 13 of them have excelled playing at the highest level in the NBA while 63 have been featured in the Basketball Africa League in the last four years. Joel Embiid, a Cameroonian camper in 2011 went on to become NBA Most Valuable Player in the 2022-2023 season and Khaman Maluach, who was named Basketball Without Borders Africa 2023, the most valuable player is currently playing at the ongoing Paris Olympics with South Sudan”, Clare excitingly stated.
Ekpe Udoh, former NBA player and current assistant coach of Atlanta Hawks; Mfon Udoka, former WNBA player, Olympian and currently, FIBA Player’s Commission member and Ikenna Smart, Portland Trail Blazers Assistant Video Coordinator are the three Nigerians, who are part of the stellar line-up of coaches of the Basketball Without Borders Africa 2024, led by Raptors head coach, Darko Rajakovic; Boston Celtics assistant coach, Sam Cassell and Orlando Magic assistant coach, Jesse Mermuys among many others.
The coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities, including movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, 5-on-5 games and life skills and leadership development sessions. A ceremony on the final day of the camp will award the Kim Bohuny Camp Most Valuable Player (MVP), the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award, the B.J. Johnson Most Improved Player Award, the Three-Point Champion and the Defensive MVP to the boys and girls who distinguish themselves on the court and as leaders.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
