Basketball Without Borders Africa Kicks Off in Kigali, Rwanda with Coaches Leading Skills and Drills for Rising Stars
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Kigali, Rwanda, August 23, 2025 — The 21st edition of Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa, a joint initiative of the NBA and FIBA, officially tipped off today at Petit Stade in Kigali. The opening day set the tone for four days of elite training, mentorship, and competition, bringing together 60 of Africa’s most promising young players.
The morning began with warm-ups before players rotated through 2v1 and 3v2 transition drills, skills development stations, and evaluation games. The focus was on sharpening fundamentals while also exposing campers to NBA-level coaching techniques.
On hand were some of the game’s top basketball minds, including Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee, Indiana Pacers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce, Minnesota Timberwolves assistants Moses Ehambe and Micah Nori, and former NBA players Marvin Williams and Kerry Kittles. Each coach brought unique perspectives, challenging the campers to compete at the highest level while reinforcing the importance of teamwork and discipline.
Coach Fenan Atobrhan, who is also representing The Voice of Africa (TVOA) in Kigali, balanced her dual role as both a camp coach and media representative. She noted the energy on Day 1:
“You could feel the excitement from the first whistle. These players know they’re representing their countries and their futures, and they approached every drill with intensity.”
The day closed with a Q&A panel featuring NBA and WNBA players, where campers had the chance to ask questions about careers, leadership, and life beyond the court. Former WNBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Tamika Catchings encouraged players to dream boldly:
“You’re not just here to learn basketball, you’re here to learn how to lead.”
As the action unfolds in Kigali, TVOA will continue to capture exclusive coverage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments, spotlighting both the talent on the court and the stories shaping Africa’s future in basketball.