KEN - EX NBA Star Pervis Ellison in Nairobi for talent search

NAIROBI (National team) - Kenya has enormous sporting talents thast can put the country on the world map but what is lacking is the guidance.

These were the observations of former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Pervis Ellison who noted that there is need to start developing the talents at an early age to make this a reality.

"The talents is there in plenty. But what you must do here is to have athletes start their training at an early age. They need to practise and they need to be coached at the tender age because this is the only way to improve." he said.

In an interview with FIBA, Ellison pointed out that the only reason USA is so competitive as a sporting nation is not because of talents but because they start off their programms at an early age.

"Your athletism is high up there but your fundamentals and skills is still down. When you get that then only will you be able to compete at the international level." said Ellison.

He said that he was very impressed by the reception he got since arrival in Nairobi over a week ago and the total co-operation he and his colleague have got from the government.

"We want to give all the kids a chance to excel in any kind of sport. Thats is our main reason of being here. We want to put in the infrastrucute so that once its started, it will be able to sustain iteslf." said former star forward/center.

Ellison, who was accompanied by managing director of AllStar Inter Productions Alfred Banks, when they met the minister of Sports professor Hellen Sambili on Friday, said it was important to lay the ground work.

"We had a very good meeting with the mninister at her office. She is very enthusiastic and has a vision and passion for the kids," said Ellison adding that " All kids will have a chance once the programme gets off and running.

While in the country, the fomer Louisville University standout also met Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch, National Olympic Commitee (NOC) and Kenya National Sports Counci (KNSC) officials.

This talent search programme is already runing in South America and the Caribean and has helped in producing some top players who are now stars at the world stage.

"It has worked well elswehere. It will work here. Look at Argentina, they are now a powerhouse in basketball and its all because of hard work and a serious programme that they put in place" he noted.

Ellison, who led Louisville to a NCAA title in 1986 had a work out with young basketballer at the Nairobi International School (NIS) where he he saw budding youth display their talents.

He revealed that he will return in August together with another ex NBA standout Dominic Wilkins who played for Atlanta Hawks for many years.

He said they are targeting talents not only from basketball but also other disciplines like soccer, tennis, rugby, swimming and athletics.

Ellison, joined the NBA in 1989 as first round top pick and was drafted by Sacramento Kings. He latter moved on to Washington Bullets, Boston Celtics and latter Seattle Sonics.

In 1992, the star nicknamed "Never Nervous", was named the most improved player. Injuries forced him out of the game. "I would have gone on to become one of the NBA greats, but you can't do anything about injuries." he looks back.

Dann OWERRE
FIBA