NBA Nigeria hosts 100 young talents at first junior coaching clinic in Kano

The Nigeria Basketball Association (NBA) hosted about 100 young basketball talents in the maiden edition of its Jr. NBA clinic at the Sani Abacha Stadium Indoor Basketball Court, Kano.

In addition to under-10 and under-17 boys and girls, the clinic also welcomed 50 local coaches for a physical refresher exercise designed to enhance their basic techniques in basketball.

The exciting moment for the freshers and home-based coaches was part of the NBA league’s commitment to supporting the growth of the broader basketball ecosystem in Nigeria and increasing access to the game across the country.

Addressing the participants, Vice President and Head of NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu, said the clinic was one of several innovative strategies aimed at developing diverse talents in basketball in Nigeria.

Abudu acknowledged Nigeria’s wealth of untapped basketball talents and hinted at NBA plans to create a platform for junior players to explore opportunities at the international level.

She also noted that the NBA is reviewing its curriculum to incorporate critical thinking, strategic communication, emotional intelligence, and other skills to better prepare young talents for the future.

“Our first Jr. NBA clinic in Kano speaks to our commitment to growing the game in Nigeria and creating more opportunities for boys and girls to learn and play the game. Nigeria has a rich basketball history and an abundance of talent, which is evident every time you watch an NBA game.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with basketball stakeholders, business leaders, and members of the community to further the game’s reach and impact on young people across the country,” Abudu explained.

Head Coach of the Kano Pillars Basketball Team, Scout Nnaji,