The NBA and FIBA tipped-off the 10th edition of Basketball without Borders Asia Camp this morning at the at The NBA Academy India, Delhi NCR. Sixty-six top high-school age boys and girls from 16 countries and territories across Asia took the court and had the opportunity to learn from Corey Brewer (Oklahoma City Thunder; U.S.), Caris LeVert (Brooklyn Nets; U.S.), Kelly Olynyk (Miami Heat; Canada; BWB Americas 2009), Dwight Powell (Dallas Mavericks; Canada), two-time WNBA Champion Ruth Riley, and former WNBA player Ebony Hoffman. Indian players Satnam Singh and Oklahoma City Blue and Indian player Amjyot Singh were also on hand to coached the top high school age campers from throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Amjyot Singh, who plays for NBA G League’s Oklahoma City Blue, was present at the camp sharing his knowledge with campers and also conducted clinics in the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA program. “This is a great setup for all the campers here. I’m glad that I could come here and share things that I have learnt so far. The level of coaches and players here is very good and the campers should go back as better players and human beings too.”
Satnam Singh, who became the first Indian to be drafted in the NBA also shared his experience with the campers. ““This BWB Camp is an opportunity of a lifetime. Life if all about making the most of the opportunities one gets. Like I got an opportunity to be in NBA and made whatever best I could out of it, this camp should serve as a great platform for campers to move up in their basketball careers.”
Current NBA assistant coaches Bret Brielmaier (Nets), Darvin Ham (Atlanta Hawks), Ryan Saunders (Minnesota Timberwolves), and Mike Wells (Utah Jazz) are serving as BWB Asia 2018 coaches. Patrick Hunt (President of the World Association of Basketball Coaches; Australia) is the camp director. Casey Smith (Mavericks) is the camp’s athletic trainer.
The players and coaches led the campers through a variety of activities on and off the court, including movement efficiency, positional skill development, shooting and skills competitions, 5-on-5 games. In the afternoon, as part of the NBA’s community outreach efforts, a basketball clinic was conducted for more than 85 youth from the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA program to promote cultural understanding while teaching the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and the values of the game, including teamwork, respect, determination and community.
Caris LeVert from Brooklyn Nets said, “It was a great first day at the camp. The kids are very receptive here and are eager to learn. I am looking forward to having a great time with them here.”
Dwight Powell from Dallas Mavericks said, “It’s amazing to see the talent here. From what I saw in the last few hours here, these guys have much more to not only be the best of youth talent in Asia but be among the best in the world. I am glad to be here and help them in whatever way possible.”
Kelly Olynyk from Miami Heat said, “Back in 2009, BWB was an unbelievable experience. The learning at such camps helps you develop and elevate your game. You have these fantastic coaches and current players, you only get better from here. It’s a great opportunity. The level of knowledge or competition too for the campers here is awesome. It’s always great to play against the best.”