It’s a great precedent in Africa as Senegal is hosting the first NBA Academy Expo on the continent.
A gathering attended by 71 young people from multiple North American Basketball Association academics from around the world.
The first large-scale experience for Abdou Khadre Kébé, who lives at Seed Academy, and, like his other friends, is keen to seize the 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.
African News reporter Wahany Sambi reports that this was indeed a very sweet shot for the future stars of world basketball.
“This NBA Academy offering is a unique opportunity for these young talents to attract the attention of the many scouts who have made the journey to Sally, Senegal,” said Sambo.
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For NBA Africa head of basketball, Franck Traore, the Scouts program was a chance to discover new talent.
“It’s really, really important for Scouts from all over the world to come and feel comfortable in Africa in general, but especially here in Senegal today, to see these guys, to see what they have to bring to the basketball world.
Many of them are now at the level to play in the NBA. We have a bit that I think and hope will make Africa proud of the NBA for years to come.”
The NBA Africa Academy is Senegal’s elite basketball training facility for the best male and female players from across Africa and the first of its kind on the continent.
The Academy is a partnership between the NBA and Project SEED (Sports for Education and Economic Development), a nonprofit organization based in Thies, Senegal that uses basketball as a platform to engage young people in academic, athletic, and leadership programs.
