Former NBA All-Star Baron Davis says ‘future of Abu Dhabi is bright’ as junior league concludes in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: Former NBA All-Star Baron Davis believes the future of basketball in Abu Dhabi is promising as the emirate continues to invest in youth development and grassroots participation.

Speaking to Arab News during the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Abu Dhabi League Finals, Davis praised the growth of the game in the UAE following the conclusion of the competition’s fifth season.

The former Golden State Warriors star was in Abu Dhabi as the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Abu Dhabi League concluded, bringing together more than 2,500 boys and girls from 68 schools across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Featuring 170 teams across six leagues, the competition marked a 39 percent increase in participation compared with last year.

“I think the future of Abu Dhabi is bright,” Davis told Arab News. “The fact that they’re investing and nurturing talent is very important because you’re developing youth talent through sports, which gives them a certain type of confidence to go out in the world and be successful.”

Throughout the interview, Davis repeatedly returned to the themes of leadership, teamwork and confidence, qualities he believes are essential both on and off the court.

Asked what advice he would offer young players hoping to become leaders, the former point guard spoke of the values that shaped his own career.

“Follow what’s right. Do what’s right. Work hard. Trust your leadership,” he said. “And also, be respectful. All the disciplines of basketball will lead you to be the right leader that you want to be.”

Leadership was a hallmark of Davis’ NBA career.

A two-time NBA All-Star, he is perhaps best remembered for leading the famed “We Believe” Golden State Warriors team that shocked the basketball world by eliminating the top-seeded Dallas