Basketball Without Borders Asia recap
The inaugural Australian Basketball Without Borders Asia camp wrapped up in Geelong on Sunday afternoon.
After three days of education, both on and off the court, All Star Sunday gave campers the opportunity to showcase their skills in-game.
With competition for spots in the All Star game extremely tough, it was Saturday's activities separated the good from the great. All aspects of basketball were tested; ball-handling, shooting, battling through defences, and practising offensive sets were focused on.
With players and coaches from the NBL and NBA passing on their knowledge, the campers were treated to an educational experience like none other.
Whilst the competition was heating up for spots in the All Star game, the Jr. NBA youth basketball clinic on Saturday was full of fun and games.
Case in point:
San Antonio Spurs legends David Robinson and Bruce Bowen, talked to those attending the clinic about the life lessons they had learnt through basketball.
Bruce Bowen talked about how the game of basketball changed his life forever, "I'm thankful for the NBA. The NBA has allowed me to have a platform. I wouldn't have been able to see the world the way I do now had it not been for the NBA. But it all started with this game of basketball. It allowed me to get an education." He continued, "It just shows how important it is to not just treat people with respect, but also dedicating yourself to a craft in whatever you do.
No matter what you do in life, as long as you have the right attitude, you can accomplish whatever it is you're trying to accomplish."
David Robinson and Bruce Bowen at the Jr. NBA clinic at BWB Asia
All Star Sunday kicked off with the Jr. NBA wheelchair basketball event. Khris Middleton, David Robinson and Dante Exum were among those joining in.
Later in the day, it was time for the All Star games. With a host of NBA players, coaches and officials watching on, it was the perfect opportunity for the young players to impress.
First up, the best girls from the camp took centre stage. The skills on display were phenomenal, with both teams putting on a show for the crowd.
Introducing our girls MVP's! Chelsea D'Angelo (All Star game), Cassidy Gould (BWB Asia camp) & Claudia Armato! 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/khcGpCmeq3
— NBL (@NBL) June 26, 2016
Then it was time for the most talented boys from all over Asia and Oceania to showcase their hoops prowess.
With the talent on display, it is clear that the region is headed in the right direction. The game was full of highlights and the basketball stars watching on were definitely impressed.
Congrats to Kiwis Quinn Clinton (All Star game) & Samuel Waardenburg (BWB Asia Camp) our MVP's! #BWBAsiapic.twitter.com/E1K0KTdtG4
— NBL (@NBL) June 26, 2016
All in all, this event showcased to the world that Australia, and its surrounding regions, are serious about basketball. The success of the event is demonstrated by the fact that it not only gave the best young talent in the region the opportunity to learn from their idols, but through educating and enriching the lives of youth within the region.
The NBA, NBL and FIBA provided a world-class event on Australia's shores. Australian basketball fans can only hope this is just the beginning of a partnership that continues to grow.