10th Basketball without Borders Asia camp starts

The 10th edition of Basketball without Borders (BWB) Asia camp started on Wednesday with 66 high-school age boys and girls from 16 countries and territories across Asia.

The youngsters took to the court to learn from international stars like 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 Amjyot Singh were also on hand to coach the top campers.

Amjyot, who plays for NBA G League's Oklahoma City Blue, shared his knowledge with the campers and also conducted clinics in the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA programme.

"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, who became the first Indian to be drafted into the NBA also shared his experience with the boys and girls.

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 programme 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.

--IANS

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