Basketball Without Borders Africa continues to produce talent for NBA and BAL

Speaking at the launch of the 20th edition of the BWB held at the American International School of Johannesburg, Fall recalled how many talented kids have changed their lives through this program. 

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A total of 60 top high school-age prospects from 24 African countries are taking part in the camp that started on Saturday and will finish tomorrow. Since the first BWB Africa camp in 2003, Fall says a lot of progress has been made.

''20 years of Basketball Without Borders. Amongst those 13 players to be drafted, we are extremely proud of Ulrich Chomche who was here last year. The first player to be drafted from the African continent from the NBA Academy,'' said Falls.

With the BAL now in its fourth season and going to the fifth next year, Fall, who was instrumental in setting it up, says it has seen the growth of basketball in Africa. The former Vice President and Managing Director of NBA Africa says 63 players produced by the BWB are the shining light in the BAL today.

''And also since the launch of the Basketball Africa League in 2021, we had 63 Alumni of this camp who have participated in the league and have helped in the growth of the league. This is what is now possible in Africa, where young players can play and develop here without leaving the continent,'' added Fall.

African countries competing at the current Olympic Games in Paris have also shown their quality, with Nigeria through to the quarterfinals in the women’s section and playing the USA on Wednesday. In the men’s section, South Sudan caused an upset when they beat Puerto Rico in the opening game but failed to reach the last eight after losing to the USA and Serbia, respectively. Fall says this talks to the growth of the sport on the continent.

''I came from Lille yesterday, where South Sudan continues to represent the continent and showcasing what is possible and the Nigerian women's team also making us proud there. The momentum is continuing to build - to use the power of basketball to move Africa forward,'' he concluded.

In the BWB Camp, the campers participate in various activities, including movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, and life skills and leadership development sessions. They are trained by NBA coaches, including NBA champion player and Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell, Orlando Magic assistant coach Jesse Mermuys, and many more. Falls says with more support from the corporate sector, basketball can continue to grow in Africa.