The NBA and FIBA have disclosed the selection of 80 leading high-school-age prospects across Africa who will take part in the 19th iteration of Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa. Set to happen at the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) in South Africa, the event will span from July 28 to July 31.
Involvement Across the Continent
The BWB Africa 2023 is set to congregate 80 boys and girls hailing from over 25 African nations. This includes 19 prospects from the NBA Academy Africa and NBA Academy Women’s Camp Africa 2022. They’ll have the unique opportunity to learn directly from current and former NBA, WNBA, and FIBA players, legends, and coaches while competing with their peers from all over Africa.
The list of the young athletes includes participants from:
- NBA Academy Africa
- NBA Academy Women’s Camp Africa 2022
These prospects will gain first-hand experience from industry professionals, giving them a valuable insight into the world of basketball.
Star-studded Coaching Line-up
The participants are in for a treat as the camp will be coached by prominent NBA figures:
- Bam Adebayo, a two-time NBA All-Star hailing from Miami Heat, U.S., with roots in Nigeria.
- Darius Garland, who earned the NBA All-Star status in 2022, from the Cleveland Cavaliers, U.S.
- Jonathan Kuminga, the 2022 NBA champion from the Golden State Warriors, originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Jalen Suggs, a valuable player from the Orlando Magic, U.S.
Additionally, five current and former NBA head coaches are set to contribute to the coaching line-up at BWB Africa 2023:
- Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff
- Mike Brown, recognized as the NBA Coach of the Year twice, currently serves as the head coach for both Nigeria Men’s National Team and the Sacramento Kings.
- Dwane Casey, who earned the NBA Coach of the Year title in 2018, was most recently associated with the Detroit Pistons.
- Darvin Ham currently leads the Los Angeles Lakers as their head coach.
- Dave Joerger, a seasoned NBA coach, most recently served with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Several former NBA and WNBA players will also lend their experience and knowledge to the BWB Africa 2023 coaching team, contributing to a rich learning environment for the young athletes.
Legendary Players as Coaches
- 2015 FIBA AfroBasket champion Olumide Oyedeji (Nigeria)
- 2011 NBA champion Ian Mahinmi (France; ties Benin)
- Former NBA player and Basketball Africa League Head of League Operations Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje (Cameroon)
- Former NBA player Tacko Fall (Senegal)
- 2003 WNBA champion Astou Ndiaye (Senegal)
- Two-time WNBA champion Taj McWilliams-Franklin
- Four-time WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes
- Mozambique basketball legend Clarisse Machanguana
The camp directors include Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman, Team President and Alternate NBA Governor Masai Ujiri; New Orleans Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin; and Portland Trail Blazers Assistant General Manager Mike Schmitz. David Crewe and Frank Adams from the Phoenix Suns will serve as the camp’s athletic trainers.
Skill-building Activities at the Camp
The campers will be engaged in an array of activities aimed at honing their skills and boosting their overall performance:
- Movement efficiency drills
- Offensive and defensive skill stations
- Three-point contests
- 5-on-5 games
- Life skills and leadership development sessions
The camp will culminate with a ceremony on its final day, where several awards will be given to boys and girls who distinguish themselves on the court and as leaders.
Awards
- Kim Bohuny Camp MVP
- Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award
- B.J. Johnson Most Improved Player Award
- Three-Point Champion
- Defensive MVP
Community Outreach Initiatives
As a part of the camp, NBA players and coaches will also participate in various community outreach initiatives around Johannesburg. These include a hospital visit, a ‘Her Time to Play’ seminar for the female campers on July 28, and a court unveiling in the Alexandra Township on July 29. BWB Africa 2023 coaches will also conduct a development clinic for local coaches at AISJ on July 30.
Engaging with Fans
A selection of NBA players are scheduled to make an appearance at the NBA Store in Johannesburg’s Sandton City Mall on July 29, where they will engage with fans.
Key Sponsors
The BWB Africa 2023 will receive support from Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002. They will be outfitting participants with Nike apparel and footwear. Gatorade will ensure players and coaches remain hydrated throughout the camp.
Impact of BWB
Since its inception in 2001, BWB has reached over 4,100 participants from 136 countries and territories. Impressively, 112 former campers have made it to the NBA or WNBA. The NBA and FIBA have successfully held 70 BWB camps in 47 cities across 32 countries on six continents. The continued success of these camps speaks volumes about the potential for basketball to change lives and create opportunities for young talent worldwide.
Final Thoughts
As the NBA and FIBA continue to invest in the growth and development of basketball within Africa, the BWB Africa 2023 camp stands as a testament to their commitment. It promises to not only nurture the skills of the continent’s young basketball talent but also instill in them the values of hard work, leadership, and teamwork. By bringing together these young talents with established NBA and FIBA professionals, the event fosters an environment of learning, inspiration, and growth.
Encouraging Talent across the Continent
The camp stands as an important initiative in providing a platform for the high-school-age prospects from Africa to showcase their talent, receive world-class training, and learn from some of the biggest names in the sport. It’s a significant opportunity for these young players to gain exposure and enhance their skills, potentially paving the way for their future careers in professional basketball.
Cultural Exchange and Bonding
In addition to developing skills on the court, the BWB Africa 2023 camp encourages cultural exchange among the participants from different countries. This interaction not only helps them understand different cultures but also promotes camaraderie and team spirit among the young talents.
Developing Leadership Skills
Life skills and leadership development sessions are a key part of the camp, demonstrating that the focus is not just on building basketball skills, but also on grooming well-rounded individuals. These sessions help the campers understand the importance of leadership, teamwork, and communication, skills that are crucial both on and off the court.
The Legacy of the Camp
BWB Africa has consistently been a stepping stone for many players to embark on successful careers in the NBA and WNBA. It’s a platform that has launched the careers of 112 former campers, a testament to the effectiveness of the program and its contribution to the sport.
The Future of Basketball in Africa
As the popularity and recognition of basketball continue to grow in Africa, initiatives like the BWB Africa 2023 camp play an important role in nurturing and showcasing the continent’s talent. By investing in the youth and providing them with opportunities to learn from the best in the sport, FIBA and the NBA are helping to shape the future of basketball in Africa.
To conclude, the BWB Africa 2023 camp promises to be an exciting and fruitful experience for all involved, setting the stage for the discovery and nurturing of future stars of African basketball. As we look forward to the event, we can’t help but anticipate the unveiling of a new set of promising basketball talents, destined to make their mark on the sport.
