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Exciting Return Of NBA, FIBA To South Africa: Basketball Without Borders 2023
Get ready for an incredible basketball event as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) join forces once again to bring you the 19th edition of Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa.
This highly anticipated event will take place at the American International School of Johannesburg in South Africa, starting from Friday, July 28, until Monday, July 31.
Returning to Johannesburg for the 15th time, BWB Africa 2023 promises an unforgettable experience for young basketball enthusiasts.
This event will bring together 40 talented boys and 40 aspiring girls from over 25 African countries. They will have the extraordinary opportunity to learn directly from current and former NBA, WNBA, and FIBA players, as well as legends and coaches.
Additionally, the participants will have the chance to compete alongside their peers from across the continent, fostering camaraderie and healthy competition.
BWB Africa is not just about basketball skills. The campers and coaches, whose names will be announced prior to the camp, will engage in life skills development, leadership programs, and the renowned NBA Cares initiatives, promoting positive impact and community engagement.
As the popularity of basketball continues to surge in South Africa, NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams expressed his excitement about the return of BWB Africa to Johannesburg after 20 years since the inaugural camp in 2003.
This extraordinary camp will provide the best young players from the continent with a platform to represent their countries and learn directly from accomplished players and coaches who have excelled in the game at the highest level.
FIBA National Federations & Sport Director Zoran Radovic also expressed his confidence in the upcoming 19th edition of BWB Africa. He acknowledged the rapid growth of basketball in Africa, exemplified by the recent success of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) season.
This camp will not only allow young players to showcase their skills but also learn valuable lessons from experienced professionals on and off the court, nurturing their talent and potential.
It is worth noting that the impact of BWB Africa on the basketball world is undeniable. Thirty-eight former BWB campers were among the 120 international players who made it to the opening-night rosters for the 2022-23 NBA season.
Among them, Joel Embiid, who participated in BWB Africa 2011 in Johannesburg, became the first former BWB camper to receive the prestigious title of Kia NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Another notable mention is Pascal Siakam, who was part of BWB Africa 2012 in Johannesburg and went on to become an NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Overall, since 2003, a total of 12 former BWB Africa campers have been drafted into the NBA, making the impact of this program undeniable.
The support for BWB Africa 2023 is tremendous, with Nike serving as the event’s global partner since 2002. Nike will provide participants with high-quality apparel and footwear, ensuring they look and feel their best during the camp. Additionally, Gatorade will keep players and coaches hydrated throughout the event, ensuring their peak performance on and off the court.
Since its inception in 2001, BWB has made a significant global impact.
With over 4,000 participants from 136 countries and territories, 111 former campers have advanced to the NBA or WNBA, showcasing the effectiveness of this development program.
The NBA and FIBA’s joint effort has resulted in the organization of 69 BWB camps in 46 cities across 32 countries on six continents, making it a truly international initiative.
Basketball fans, aspiring players, and supporters of the game have much to look forward to with the upcoming BWB Africa 2023 in South Africa. This prestigious camp not only promotes the growth of basketball in Africa but also provides a platform for young talents to shine and pursue their dreams in the sport.
The 19th edition of BWB Africa is set to create a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.
With a focus on skill development, teamwork, and cultural exchange, the camp will nurture the next generation of African basketball stars. The participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from the best in the game, gaining valuable insights and techniques that will help elevate their performance.
The impact of BWB Africa goes beyond the camp itself. It serves as a catalyst for the growth of basketball in Africa, inspiring young athletes to pursue their passion and reach their full potential.
By bringing together players from different countries and backgrounds, the camp fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie, promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
As basketball continues to gain popularity across the continent, the success of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) exemplifies the immense talent and potential in African basketball.
The BWB Africa camp acts as a stepping stone for young players to showcase their skills and attract the attention of scouts and coaches. The exposure gained through this camp opens doors to opportunities both locally and internationally, paving the way for promising careers in the sport.
The partnership between the NBA, FIBA, Nike, and Gatorade further enhances the impact of BWB Africa.
Nike’s long-standing commitment to the camp underscores their dedication to supporting young athletes and promoting the sport at a grassroots level. With top-quality apparel and footwear provided by Nike, the participants will not only feel motivated but also look the part as they take to the court.
Gatorade’s involvement ensures that the campers and coaches stay hydrated and energized throughout the intensive training sessions.
Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for optimal performance, and Gatorade’s expertise in sports drinks makes them the ideal partner for this event.
The return of BWB Africa to South Africa is an exciting development for the country and the entire continent. It showcases the progress made in African basketball and highlights the immense potential that lies within. The camp serves as a reminder of the power of sports to unite communities, inspire individuals, and create lasting change.
The NBA and FIBA’s Basketball Without Borders Africa 2023 promises to be an unforgettable experience for participants and basketball enthusiasts alike.
As the camp returns to South Africa, it reaffirms the country’s status as a hub for basketball development in Africa. The event will not only provide invaluable training and mentorship but also foster lifelong connections and friendships among the participants.
With the support of esteemed partners like Nike and Gatorade, BWB Africa 2023 is set to make a lasting impact on the future of basketball in Africa, empowering young talents to soar to new heights in the sport they love.
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media and Public Communications to Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to the recent appointment of Bashir Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.).
Olayinka took to X (formerly Twitter) to address discussions surrounding this leadership transition. His post aimed to clarify that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not dismiss Mele Kyari, a northerner, to replace him with a southerner, as some speculated. Instead, Olayinka pointed out that Ojulari, like Kyari, hails from the northern region of Nigeria.
According to Olayinka’s post on his official X account, he emphasised that Bashir Ojulari is from Kwara State, located in North Central Nigeria. Additionally, the new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, originates from Borno State in the North East.
His post stated: “Bashir Ojulari, the new NNPCL CEO, is a northerner from Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. The new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is also a northerner, from Borno State, North East Nigeria.”
Olayinka’s statement came in response to narratives suggesting that the appointment was politically motivated to favour one region over another.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, while warning against retaliatory violence targeting Southerners in Northern Nigeria.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, MBF Spokesman Luka Binniyat denounced inflammatory threats from individuals claiming to represent Northern interests in response to the killings.
Recalled that the victims, were allegedly armed hunters, traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano when they were attacked by a mob that accused them of being kidnappers.
“The MBF strongly condemns the unlawful killing of any Nigerian citizen, including those who lost their lives in Uromi,” the statement read. “However, we categorically reject any attempt to use this tragic incident as a pretext to unleash violence against Southerners residing in Northern Nigeria.”
The forum assured that the Middle Belt would not become a battleground for reprisals, emphasizing that it remains a safe haven for all law-abiding Nigerians. It urged community leaders and youths to remain vigilant and prevent any attempts to instigate violence, calling for anyone with such intentions to be handed over to authorities.
The MBF also reaffirmed its commitment to justice for all victims of violence across Nigeria. The statement highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing Middle Belt communities, citing persistent attacks by armed herdsmen with little government intervention.
” We hope that the swift response to the Uromi killings would serve as a precedent for broader action against criminal elements terrorizing the region.
“Thousands of our people remain in captivity, and vast portions of our land are still under the control of violent outlaws—primarily Fulani militants,” the statement noted.
“Justice must be served across the board.”
The MBF concluded by reiterating its support for the ongoing investigation into the Uromi incident and calling for a fair and decisive crackdown on all forms of criminality across the country.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kabir Ibrahim kware, has commended governor Ahmed Aliyu for executing numerous developmental projects without taking loan from any financial institution.
Ibrahim Kware whp gave the commendation when he led other members of the State Assembly on Sallah homage to governor Aliyu, added that, the governor is very prudent in managing resources to achieve results.
“There was never a time you approached us with a request for permission to borrow money from any financial institutions whether at home or abroad,”he affirmed.
This , according to him, is worthy of commendation considering the myriad people- oriented projects the governor is executing across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the State’s Judiciary, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa, commended the governor for the construction of additional Court rooms at the State High Court.
Justice Sifawa also expressed delight over the way and manner the governor responds to issues affecting the Judiciary, which he said, is a clear testimony of the good working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state.
Responding to the commendations, governor Ahmed Aliyu appealed for more synergy among the three tiers of government in the overall development of the state.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to governor Alhmed Aliyu reaffirmed his principal’s unwavering commitment of the executive arm to providing the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state,in line with his campaign promises.
The governor also urged lawmakers to present all the needs of their constituencies for prompt and diligent implementation.
“”I want to assure you that my doors are always open for you at any given time, to listen to the demands of your people.”
He reminded them on the need to put politics aside and work together with the executive arm for the progress and even development of the people they represent.
Turning to the members of the State Judiciary, the governor appealed to Judges and Khadis to ensure the quick dispensation of justice, so as to decongest the correctional centres.
“It is worrisome to see how inmates are languishing in correctional centres for minor offences in the name of awaiting trial.
“We recently appointed seven additional Judges and 7 Khadis, which is the first in the history of Sokoto State.
“The idea is to enhance the manpower in our Judiciary so as to speed up the dispensation of justice,” he added.
The governor further assured the members of the Judiciary of his administration’s readiness to ensure their welfare at all times.