BY AKINDOYIN OLATAYO EMMANUEL/with Photos
The sixth edition of the Jordan Nwora Basketball Camp has recorded its biggest participation yet, with veteran basketball coach Alex Nwora praising the rapid growth of the initiative and the remarkable improvement in the quality of young players emerging from the programme.
Speaking during the Nigerian leg of the camp at the Warriors Basketball Court in Ilupeju, Lagos, Nwora said the annual development programme continues to make a significant impact on youth basketball across Africa, uncovering new talents while equipping athletes and coaches with modern skills required to excel in the sport.
According to him, the increasing standard of participants reflects the dedication of young players and the commitment of grassroots coaches who continue mentoring them long after each camp concludes.
“We were here last year, and the talent this year is far better than what we have seen in previous editions,” Nwora said. “Every year, it excites me to see these young players improving. They continue working with local coaches after the camp, and those coaches build on the foundation we lay. That is why the players keep getting better.”
The sixth edition of the camp, which also held in Liberia and Ghana, is designed to equip athletes aged between 14 and 16 with the fundamentals of basketball while exposing coaches to modern training methods and player development techniques.
Nwora explained that the initiative goes beyond teaching basketball skills, providing young athletes with opportunities to compete at a high level and showcase their abilities.
“The focus is on teaching the basics of the game while helping coaches learn new techniques,” he said. “We also want to expose the players to quality competition and provide opportunities for them to display their talents at an early stage.”
The former Nigerian national team coach also praised the overwhelming turnout recorded in Lagos, noting that participation exceeded expectations.
“The turnout has been incredible,” he said. “We prepared jerseys for almost 150 kids, but the number that showed up was even greater. The large number of participants and coaches exceeded our initial projections, which is a positive challenge to have.”
Beyond basketball development, Nwora emphasized the broader benefits of youth participation in sports, urging parents to encourage their children to take advantage of such opportunities.
He noted that sports help young people develop important life skills, stay focused, and avoid negative influences.
“It is very important for parents to allow their children to be part of programmes like this,” he said. “Given the current economic realities, sports can help keep young people away from negative influences, keep them engaged, and give them hope for the future. It helps them become responsible citizens.”
Drawing from his personal journey in basketball, Nwora highlighted the transformative power of sports and the limitless opportunities available to dedicated young athletes.
“The sky is the limit,” he stated. “I started just like many of these kids, playing basketball in the East, and today I am coaching at the college level. My son is playing in the NBA, and through this foundation we now have the opportunity to give back to the next generation.”
He added that while not every participant will become a professional player, the discipline, teamwork, communication skills, and character-building lessons gained through sports can open doors in many areas of life.
“There are so many opportunities that can come from sports training,” Nwora said. “Companies value people with strong interpersonal skills, discipline, and teamwork. You don’t have to become an NBA player or a professional athlete. Basketball can help shape your character, provide structure, and prepare you for success in whatever path you choose.”
The Jordan Nwora Basketball Camp continues to expand its footprint across Africa, providing young athletes with a platform to develop their talents while inspiring them to pursue excellence both on and off the court.