National Basketball Association stars could descend on Geelong next month as part of the first ever Basketball Without Borders NBA Camp in Australia.
The global camp will play its all-star game at The Arena in Geelong, the State Government has announced.
Minister for Sport John Eren said Victoria’s NBA stars would help uncover the next international sensation at the June camp, featuring 40 of the most talented young players from the Asia-Pacific region.
The camp itself will be hosted at Melbourne’s Dandenong Basketball Stadium from 23 to 26 June.
He said the young players would be put through their paces by former NBA players and coaches, as well as Victoria’s own contingent of international champions.
“Never before has Victoria made such a mark on the NBA,” Mr Eren said.
“Our own Andrew Bogut and Matthew Dellavedova went head to head in last season’s playoffs, while Dante Exum’s career is off to a flying start at Utah.
“Victorian-born Ben Simmons has been touted as a possible Number 1 pick at the 2016 NBA Draft.”
The Basketball Without Borders camps held in 22 countries have proved to be great breeding grounds with 37 participants later securing a spot on an NBA roster.
Mr Eren said while the camp was a great chance for the stars of tomorrow to stake their claim for a career in the big time, but also an opportunity to grow the game at a grassroots level.
“The NBA players will work with local communities to inspire youngsters and promote health and education, while a clinic for Indigenous boys and girls from local state leagues will give them the opportunity to shine.
“Wheelchair basketball will feature at The Arena, while local Victorian coaches will learn valuable skills from the NBA legends at a coach’s clinic.
“This is a great opportunity for Geelong to play its part in helping uncover the next champion Australian basketball player to take the NBA by storm.”
