FIBA Youth Camps having positive impacting on African basketball

 

PRETORIA (South Africa) - The concluded FIBA U18 AfroBasket tournaments for men and women are the apex of youth basketball and a transition for teenagers to either college or the professional ranks.

Before crossing that bridge to the next stage of their careers, players with exceptional talent have more opportunities to hone their skills, like at the FIBA Regional Youth Camps a partnership between FIBA and the NBA.

Over 30 players participating in previous FIBA Regional Youth Camps represented their countries in this year's U18 AfroBasket tournaments. 

Rwanda's celebrated Senegalese coach, Cheikh Sarr, who served as a director of the Regional Youth Camps, says the camps have proven successful given the number of coaches and players at the continental youth tournament.

"They are the best platform for coaches to share their knowledge and help others grow. It also brings together the best youth players to learn how to play the game," said Sarr. "I see most of them have represented their national teams at U16 and U18. 

"We see more than 30 (players) were there. More than 15 coaches at the camps were at the AfroBasket... It means they (FIBA Youth Camps) are good for Africa, and must be sustained."

Sarr says the camp's impact also goes beyond the court, as kids from different parts of the continent form friendships.

"The benefit is plural... First, it's a space to build networks - second, they are socialising. For example, a kid from Tunisia would never have had the opportunity to meet a kid from Zimbabwe or vice-versa," said Sarr. "When they get there, they form friendships and build networks for the future."

Another thing that makes Sarr beam with pride is the impact of their work, and the players remember him and the coaches.

"I am very proud. I saw two Egyptian girls (Malak Elhemaly and Haya AlHalawany) who were part of the camp in Kigali, remembered me. There are other players too and it shows that they see us as role models for the work we do. If that was not the case they would not greet us," said Sarr.

Players have their say about the Youth Camp Experience

South African U18 captain Reatlegile Taukobong, an All-Star at the camp in Rwanda last year, says she enjoyed her time in the East African country and being part of the camp lifted her confidence as a player.

"It was amazing. Rwanda is a beautiful, clean and developed country that is also very passionate about basketball," said Taukobong.

"Being surrounded by passionate young players from all over Africa made me slightly anxious. I knew there would be a lot of competition. But I just had to believe and have confidence in myself. Those are the two things I lacked, but once I found my rhythm, I kept working and achieved my goal of making the All-Star team. The coaching was top-notch - they made the camp 100 times more fun - the memories we made off the court were special."

Cameroon guard Kelya Kipo, who averaged 14.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in the U18 Women's AfroBasket, says she learnt the finer points of defense at the 2022 Youth Camp in Senegal.

"I have learnt not to back down or be low when the game gets difficult. It is what helped me during games," said Kipo, an All-Star in the 2022 Camp.

Angolan forward Manuel Camboma and Alumni of the 2022 camp in Madagascar says he grew as a person and player and found the lessons he learnt applicable to the U18 AfroBasket.

"It helped me a lot. I grew in my game and became a better man on and off the court. It is something I am grateful for," said Camboma. "The experience over there (Madagascar) helped me become smarter and stronger as a player. I also learnt how to attack and shoot."

The positive feedback is encouraging. The camps have yielded dividends by providing players and coaches for the U18 AfroBasket. It is an indication of the upward direction of basketball in Africa.

FIBA