Ajegunle, a Lagos State community popularly called the “AJ City,” hosted the National Basket Association (NBA) Nigeria, last weekend, as its Jr. NBA Coaches and Youth Clinic, aimed to bolster the local basketball ecosystem and encourage greater youth engagement in the sport, took place in the part of Centre of Excellence.
The event began with a Coaches Clinic attended by 15 coaches and teachers from Dorcas College, Highstone College, Ravens Basketball Academy, Topfield College, and the BE Programme.
They were trained to understand court sections and effective communication strategies, then implemented their knowledge as volunteers during the Jr. NBA Youth Clinic.
With participation of 82 enthusiastic boys and girls from Dorcas College, Highstone College, Ravens Basketball Academy, and Topsfield College, the vibrant atmosphere reflected not just the love for the game but also the growing basketball culture in Nigeria.
Fundamental skills such as shooting, dribbling, passing, and defense were taught, providing a platform for young players to refine their abilities under expert guidance.
Among the talented youth players were the Topfield College basketball teams, whose girls were last year’s champions in the Milo National Basketball Championship, with the boys finishing in fourth place.
NBA Nigeria, established as the third office in Africa in early 2022, has been pivotal in fostering talent development in the region. The Jr. NBA clinic stands as a testament to the diverse athletic potential within the community and contributes to the ongoing efforts to nurture basketball talent in Nigeria.
Looking ahead, the Jr. NBA will celebrate the rich legacy of basketball in Indiana at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend by hosting a series of on-court competitions and off-court programming for kids.
The much-anticipated weekend is scheduled to take place from Friday, February 16, to Sunday, February 18 and will feature the thrilling Celebrity Game, All-Star Saturday Night, and 73rd All-Star Game, along with other lineup of events.
Last year’s All-Star Game had a thrilling halftime show performance with some of Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeat Stars – Burnaboy, Tems and Rema.
