Basketball without Borders (BWB), the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, tipped off the 13th BWB Asia Camp at New York University Abu Dhabi, which featured 78 of the top high-school age boys and girls from more than 20 countries and territories from across Asia and the Middle East.
This year, BWB Asia participants had the opportunity to learn from current NBA players Saddiq Bey (Atlanta Hawks) and Monte Morris (Washington Wizards), and NBA veterans Taj Gibson (most recently with the Washington Wizards), Rodney McGruder (most recently with the Detroit Pistons) and Vladimir Radmanovic. NBA assistant coaches John Bryant (Chicago Bulls), Ryan Forehan-Kelly (Brooklyn Nets), Jim Moran (Detroit Pistons), Ryan Richman (Wizards), Sean Sweeney (Dallas Mavericks) and Mike Weinar (Indiana Pacers); NBA Global Academy Technical Director Marty Clarke; and NBA Basketball School Dubai Technical Director Phil Galvin served as BWB Asia coaches, while Nina Hsieh (Charlotte Hornets) served as the camp’s athletic trainer.
In collaboration with FIBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, BWB Asia 2023 began with an opening ceremony, which included remarks from FIBA National Federations & Sport Senior Manager Kosta Iliev, NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director Ralph Rivera, DCT Abu Dhabi Strategic Affairs Executive Director Saeed Ali Al Fazari, NBA Asia Head of Basketball Operations Carlos Barroca, NBA Head of International Basketball Operations Chris Ebersole and Atlanta Hawks forward Saddiq Bey.
In the afternoon session, campers participated in a series of on-court drills focusing on enhancing fundamental basketball skills, learned a combination of team offensive and defensive concepts, and competed in 5-on-5 games.
In conjunction with BWB Asia 2023, the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi Elite Camp also tipped off the 3-day event at New York University Abu Dhabi, which brought together 40 of the top boys and girls ages 15 and under from the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League to participate in fundamental skill development and 5-on-5 competition.
Quotes:
NBA Head of International Basketball Operations Chris Ebersole
“Basketball Without Borders is our longest-running elite development program and we’re thrilled to have the 13th edition of the BWB Asia Camp for the first time in the Arabian Gulf. Together with FIBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, we’re committed to providing our boys and girls from across Asia and the Middle East with a memorable experience on and off the court as they train under the guidance of some of the best players and coaches in the world.”
FIBA National Federations & Sport Senior Manager Kosta Iliev
“Basketball Without Borders builds on a decades-long collaboration between FIBA and the NBA that provides a tremendous opportunity to the most talented kids in Asia and the Middle East to grow and to reach the highest possible level in basketball. The campers will learn from some of the best coaches in the game and will compete and interact with some of the best players from other countries and cultures, which will give them a different perspective and vision for the future.”
Atlanta Hawks forward Saddiq Bey
“I’m excited to be part of my first Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp and experience the unique brand of basketball played on this side of the world. BWB is a great reminder that basketball transcends cultural boundaries and I’m looking forward to maximizing this opportunity to engage and connect with the boys and girls through our shared love for the game.”
