Traore: ''Collaborations in capacity building key for African basketball development''

 

KIGALI (Rwanda) - The third edition of FIBA Africa's Regional Youth Camps concluded on 28 September, and NBA Africa's head of Basketball Operations Franck Traore has underscored the need for capacity building. 

Traore was speaking on the sidelines of the all-girls three-day camp held from 26 to 28 September in Kigali, Rwanda where he pointed out that the partnership between FIBA and NBA has helped in this quest by not only training the players but also expanding the coaching pool in Africa. 

"Alongside the players that get the opportunity to gain experience in these camps, we also make sure to involve young coaches who get trained by the instructors we have here. 

When these coaches go back to their countries, we expect that they will continue working with the youth there. So far we are happy with the results. The talents on display keep on improving from the inaugural edition and we can only get better from here.

Frank Traore

Such collaborations (between FIBA Africa and NBA), are what the continent needs to spur the development of the sport. Different experts are coming together to share resources and ideas on how to improve the game. We are proud of this partnership and we hope to keep growing it," Traore told FIBA.basketball. 

The Rwanda camp brought together 45 young girls (U16) from 15 countries and followed similar successful events in 2021 and 2022. 

This year, however, the continental governing body has organised separate camps for boys and girls, unlike in the last two editions where both ran concurrently. 

"Women's basketball is very important for  FIBA and NBA and together we created programmes and platforms for young ladies from across Africa to showcase their talent. 

The camp also allows these young players to work closely with top coaches so they can improve their skill set, become better players and use basketball to improve their lives in different aspects, like getting a great education, while representing their countries at the highest level and making Africa proud," Traore further explained. 

The NBA head of basketball operations admits that Africa has the best basketball talents and with the right environment and high-level competitions, Africa can match the rest of the world. 

"African youths are resilient, strong, very athletic and smart and everyone understands that. All that's needed for Africa to continue to develop creating the right ecosystem for players. This includes having the right infrastructure for the players to train in safe environments. 

We also need to do more in the development of coaches so these kids can learn the game the right way while exposing them to high levels of competition which the rest of the continents have from the grassroots," Traore concluded. 

FIBA