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Bringing Basketball Without Borders To Victoria

02 May 2016

Our NBA stars will help identify the next international sensation when Victoria hosts the first ever Basketball Without Borders camp in Australia, secured by the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Sport John Eren joined Utah Jazz star Joe Ingles today at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre to preview the June camp, which will feature 40 of the most talented young players from across the Asia-Pacific.

The young players will be put through their paces by former NBA players and coaches, as well as our own contingent of international stars. The five-day training camp will be held at the Dandenong Stadium and the Geelong Arena.

Never before has Victoria made such a mark on the NBA. Our own Andrew Bogut and Matthew Dellavedova went head to head in last season’s playoffs, while Dante Exum’s career is off to a flying start at Utah. Melbourne-born Ben Simmons has been touted as a possible Number 1 pick at the 2016 NBA draft.

Since 2001, the NBA and FIBA have joined forces for 45 Basketball Without Borders camps in 26 cities across 22 countries, and they’ve proven great breeding grounds – nearly 40 participants have later secured a spot on an NBA roster.

It’s a great chance for the stars of tomorrow to stake their claim for a career in the big time, but so too an opportunity to grow the sport at a grassroots level and encourage social change.

The NBA players will work with communities to inspire youngsters and promote health and education, while a clinic for indigenous boys and girls from local state leagues will give them the opportunity to shine that they deserve.

Basketball Without Borders runs from June 23-26.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“Basketball in Victoria is in the midst of a golden era. Our own stars are dominating the NBA like never before, and here’s our chance to identify the next generation of champions.”

“We’re proud to be the first Australian state to stage this world event, because it means happier and healthier communities.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams

“Basketball Without Borders is a great breeding ground for future stars – the numbers prove it – but it’s more than that. It’s about inspiring youngsters to be the best they can be.”

“We love our basketball in Dandenong, and we can’t wait to be part of history as Basketball Without Borders comes to Australia for the first time.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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