FIBA National Youth Camp in full swing in Mauritius and Guinea

PHOENIX and CONAKRY (Mauritius and Guinea) - Mauritius and Guinea became the first African countries to welcome the FIBA National Youth Camp – a Youth Development Program - run by FIBA and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The two countries have gathered more than 80 participants, coaches, and players for the one-week event, which runs until Sunday, February 13.

Speaking at the official opening of the event in Mauritius, Jean-Michel Ramaroson, member of of FIBA Executive Committe, said he is glad to see that Mauritius has caught up with training and development, one of FIBA’s main goals.

Talking to the coaches, he explained that their mission from now on is to detect and train young talents to help Mauritius build a solid elite in the years to come.

"This camp follows the ones that were set last year. FIBA has put in place a pyramidal approach to detect, train and retain talents," he said.

Ramaroson also emphasized on the outcome of the National Youth Camp. The Malagasy official stressed out that the best coaches and players will be called upon to meet at a regional Youth Camp and at an all-Africa Youth Camp later this year. "I am sure the players and coaches will acquire state-of-the-art skills that will help them in the future."

He also noted that these camps are held in the context of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), in collaboration with the NBA. "All these will definitely be of great help for African basketball."

NBA expert Scott Fleming also expressed his satisfaction with the National Youth Camp. The head coach of NBA India said he was more than willing to exchange with anyone. "I love sharing my knowledge and experience."

The camp kicked off on Tuesday, with some 25 coaches undergoing a three-day programme. As of this Friday, young players, aged under 18, will benefit from the experts’ advice.

The young players will train under the guidance of Scott Fleming until this Sunday. The best players will be retained for a higher-level camp.

Mauritius and Guinea are the first countries to benefit from the NBA-FIBA Youth Camps this year.

In 2021, three countries - Kenya, Cote d'Ivoire, and Senegal – were the first to ever welcome an FIBA Youth Camp.

After Mauritius and Guinea, six other countries will hold National Youth Camps.

The 2022 National Youth Camp edition is set to stop in Mozambique (15-20 February), Uganda (21-26 February), Algeria (22-27 February) and Chad (1-6 March).

DR Congo (1-6 March) and Madagascar (7-12 March) have yet to confirm whether they will hold their respective National Youth Camps.

FIBA