The NBA via its global social responsibility program NBA Cares, in conjunction with FIBA and the Chinese-Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA), is bringing its Basketball Without Borders project to Asia for the first time, with its BWB Asia program in Taipei next month.
The program aims to teach its participants of the values of the game, through its grassroots basketball development, community service and life skill seminars. Extensive community outreach efforts will take place in the different venues (i.e. donations of school supplies, clothing, etc. to community-based organizations)
36 BWB camps have been conducted worldwide, with over 150 current/former NBA & WNBA players and almost 140 NBA personnel being involved.
Scheduled to take place in June 13-16 in Taipei, BWB Asia brings together the top fifty players (born in 1996 or 1997) in the Asia-Oceania region.
NBA Taiwan Associate VP and Managing Director Bimal Kapoor says that “Basketball without Borders helps us to grow the game of basketball and bring attention to important social issues that affect communities in Taiwan.” He adds that they are thankful for the CTBA for being the host this program and provide the youth with the opportunity to develop their skills in both basketball and in life.
CTBA President Ting Shou-chung expressed delight to be able to work with the NBA in providing the opportunity for the youth to learn from the best players and coaches in the world. He believes that this project is another step in the broadening the league's relationship with them and reiterates their commitment to continue their basketball development.
Among the participants in the BWB Asia is Jr. NBA Philippines 2011 All-Star (and National University commit) Rendell Senining
Toronto Raptors swingman John Salmons, Minnesota Timberwolves reserve big man (and recent Manila visitor) Ronny Turiaf, and Charlotte Hornets rookie Cody Zeller will headline the program, with assistant coaches Bryan Gates (New Orleans Pelicans), David Vanterpool (Portland Trailblazers) and Bobby Jackson (Minnesota Timberwolves) also on hand to participate.
Also expected to make an appearance is Yao Ming.
Meanwhile, BWB will also have its European camp in Rome and will make a return to Johannesburg this year.
BWB Europe will take place on June 2-5 in Rome, with Brandon Knight and Al Horford joining camp alumni Danilo Gallinari, Andrea Bargnani and Gigi Datome. They will oversee the top 50 European players (born in 1997).
On the other hand, BWB Africa will take place in Johannesburg on August 5-8, with Brooklyn Nets forward Andrei Kirilenko and Oklahoma City guard Thabo Sefolosha joining NBA head coaches Dwayne Casey, Brian Shaw and Jeff Hornacek overseeing the top 60 Africans (born in 1997 or 1998).
As one of its global partners, Nike will be outfitting the campers and coaches with its apparel and footwear.
