NBA, WNBA Stars Welcome Players From Nigeria, 39 Other Nations To Jr. NBA Global Tourney In U.S.

The Jr. NBA Global Championship 2019 dunked off at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida early today with current and former NBA and WNBA players welcoming 316 young boys and girls from 40 countries from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe.

Orlando Magic legend Dennis Scott opened the ceremony, joined by 2019 NBA Champion, Danny Green; Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon; 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist, Jennifer Azzi; former NBA player and NBA Cares Ambassador, Jason Collins; former NBA player, Pops Mensah-Bonsu; and former NBA player and NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

Following the formal opening, the kids took part in various on-court activities, including a three-point contest and a dance competition.

Tomorrow morning the youth teams will take part in their first life skills seminar: Respect for the Game. The first session will reinforce life skills that youth should develop to position themselves for success on and off the court. The session will share tips on how to approach tasks and challenges, including navigating adverse childhood and community experiences, and making the most of opportunities. NBA Player Development experts will share tips on how to build positive, healthy, and respectful relationships among players, coaches, parents, and referees.

The first round of games starts on Tuesday, August 6.

Cameroonian Marouf Moumine