Launched in 2001, Basketball Without Borders (BWB) is a collaborative global development and community relations outreach program between FIBA and the NBA. Its purpose is to provide elite basketball instruction and development opportunities to maximize the potential of international talent.
In addition to a focus on improving basketball skills, BWB promotes leadership, education, sportsmanship and healthy living, as well as friendship, openness and respect.
BWB provides elite instruction and development opportunities to maximize the potential of international talent and elevate the level of basketball in each region where BWB camps are hosted. Meanwhile, FIBA, NBA and WNBA players, coaches and team executives serve as global ambassadors. Former FIBA and NBA referees also lead development sessions for referees nominated by National Federations.
BWB is an invite-only camp for elite players, both for boys and girls. Each camp is age-based, and players are selected by FIBA, the NBA and participating National Federations based on their performance and demonstrated leadership abilities.
The game allowed me to travel, see new countries, meet new people, play against talented guys that I’m not able to play against otherwise, and talk to coaches and former players that I looked up to growing up. So many different things that can come out of BWB…it’s only beneficial.
Off the court, campers attend life-skills seminars, learn from the stars about their experiences as professional players, and visit local places of interest. This format allows and encourages campers to build long-lasting relationships with their fellow teammates and coaches.
Each BWB cycle consists of four regional BWB camps – one in each of Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. There are also three-day flagship BWB Global Camps for the top male and female international prospects, with the global men’s camp taking place over the NBA All-Star weekend.
Basketball Without Borders was by far the best basketball experience that I have had. Just in terms of how much you can learn. Just the feeling of being around people that are so diverse. From different backgrounds, with different stories. But we all love the same thing which is basketball.
Since the first edition BWB has staged 72 camps in 48 cities across 33 countries and six continents. The program has reached more than 4,300 campers from 140 different countries.
Participants have benefitted from the coaching and advice from current and former FIBA and NBA stars such as Yao Ming (China), Dirk Nowitzki (Germany), Tony Parker (France), Pau Gasol (Spain), Manu Ginobili (Argentina), Dikembe Mutombo (DR Congo/USA), Vlade Divac (Serbia).
The list of previous participants currently competing in FIBA competitions and the NBA includes the likes of: Facundo Campazzo (Argentina), Josh Giddey (Australia), Ezi Magbegor (Australia), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada), Xu Han (China), Lauri Markkanen (Finland), Nicolas Batum (France), Iliana Rupert (France), Rui Hachimura (Japan), Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania), Gorgui Dieng (Senegal), Willy Hernangomez (Spain) and Raquel Carrera (Spain).
Click here to learn more about Basketball Without Borders.