The annual Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp touched down in South Africa for the 16th time this year, transforming the American International School of Johannesburg into a hotbed of young talent from across the continent. This year’s edition, the 20th overall, brought together 60 of the brightest prospects, including three Nigerians, for a four-day intensive of coaching, competition, and cultural exchange.

The NBA and FIBA’s collaborative venture has become a cornerstone in the development of African basketball, with a proven track record of producing NBA and WNBA stars. The camp’s influence extends beyond the court, fostering leadership skills and providing a platform for young athletes to connect with their peers and mentors.

Nigeria was well represented at BWB Africa 2024. David Ugonna Ike, a product of the NBA Academy Africa and a recent contributor to the Rivers Hoopers in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), was joined by compatriots Ajala Chidalu David and Dante Niiayi Otite. The camp also featured Nigerian coach John Walter Wilkins, whose experience in the BAL and Europe serves as an inspiration for the next generation of African basketball talent.

Wilkins’ journey highlights the impact of BWB and similar programs on player development. His career trajectory, from the camp to the professional ranks, underscores the potential pathway for these young athletes. With the NBA’s growing interest in Africa, exemplified by the creation of the BAL, the continent is becoming an increasingly fertile ground for basketball talent.

The Basketball Without Borders camp, held in previous years in Dakar, Senegal (2010 and 2019), Luanda, Angola (2016), and Cairo, Egypt (2022), brought together 30 boys and 30 girls from over 20 African countries. Participants benefited from direct coaching and mentorship from current and former NBA, WNBA, and FIBA stars. The camp’s success was underpinned by the support of partners like Nike, which provided apparel and footwear, and Gatorade, which ensured hydration for all participants.

BWB’s impact on global basketball is undeniable. Forty-one former campers made NBA opening-night rosters in the 2023-24 season, including reigning MVP Joel Embiid (Cameroon) and 2019 champion Pascal Siakam (Cameroon). Thirteen BWB Africa alumni have been drafted into the NBA, with Ulrich Chomche (Cameroon) the latest addition in 2024. The program’s reach extends to the BAL, with 63 former campers contributing to the league.

Since its inception in 2001, Basketball Without Borders has impacted over 4,400 participants from 142 countries and territories. With 127 alumni in the NBA or WNBA, and a footprint of 75 camps across 50 cities and 33 countries, the program continues to be a driving force in global basketball development.

The BWB Africa camp is more than just a basketball clinic; it’s a platform for shaping the future of the game on the African continent.