It’s a significant first in Africa. Senegal is hosting the continent’s first NBA Academy Showcase. A gathering of 71 young people from various North American Basketball League academies from around the world. Abdou Khadre Kébé, a Seed Academy resident who, like his other friends, intends to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“For most of us, it’s the first time we’re in a big stage. So, we are very excited about it and we try to give the best of ourselves. It’s a great opportunity already because it’s what gives us the opportunity to show what we’ve been working on all year. So, we give it our all to be able to make results.” says Kebe.
For Frank Traore head Basketball Operations NBA Africa this showcase gave scouts an opportunity to discover new talent. “It’s very, very important that scouts from all over the world can come and feel comfortable in Africa, in general, but especially today here in Senegal, to see these young people, to see what these young people have to offer to the basketball world. Many of them have the level, right now, to play in the NBA. We have a few that I think and hope will make Africa proud in the NBA in the years to come”.
NBA Academy Africa is the continent’s first elite basketball training center for top male and female prospects from across Africa, located in Senegal. The academy is a collaboration between the NBA and SEED Project( Sports for Education and Economic Development), a non-profit organization based in Thies, Senegal that uses basketball as a platform to engage youth in academic, athletic, and leadership programs.