JOHANNESBURG – During the Basketball without Boarders-Africa clinic held in Johannesburg, South Africa on September 2nd, 2011, FASU (represented by the President, 1st Vice-President and the Secretary-General) held discussions with NBA legends and Officials from top NBA Clubs on the possible collaborations in the development of University Basketball inAfrica to a better competitive level at the world stage.
The NBA Global Ambassador, DR Congo born Dikembe Mutombo whose apparel are done by PEAK a Chinese company that clothed the African Countries at the 26th Summer Universiade held in Shenzhen, China in August 2011, lead a contingent of NBA legends including Dee Brown, Patrick Ewing, Jeff Hornacek, Alonzo Mourning and Bo Outlaw and the WNBA legends Tamika Raymond and Edna Campbell. NBA coaches in attendance included Harold Ellis (Detroit Pistons), Marc Eversley (Toronto Raptors), Lionel Hollins (Memphis Grizzlies), Noel Gillespies (Phoenix Suns), Mark Hughes (New York Knicks), Patrick Hunt (FIBA Coach), BJ Johnson (Houston Rockets), Milt Newwton (Washington Wizards), and Monty Williams (New Orleans Hornets), Dionne Calhoun from the 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks and Koichi Sato (Washington Wizards) the camp trainers. Phoenix Suns General Manager Lance Blanks and Denver Nuggets General Manager Masai Ujiri were also present.
The NBA legends pledged to support the efforts of FASU in promoting University basketball on the continent of Africa, by advocating for inter-development programs between FASU and their various clubs.
In his words, FASU President Malumbete Ralethe expressed his joy at the interest the top basketball clubs and players showed towards the development of the sport at the University level on the continent of Africa. He assured them of consistent support and collaboration towards the promotion of sport, since some of their top recruits may be a product of University Basketball.
(Source: Peninnah Kabenge, FASU SG)
FISU & FASU EC members Senghor (l) and Ralethe (r) with NBA legend Patrick Ewing (c)