NBA rolls out development camps for young female players from outside the U.S.; first camp to take place in Mexico
First NBA development camp for young women will take place in Mexico
The NBA is rolling out a series of basketball development camps for top female prospects from outside the U.S at the league’s academies. Dubbed the NBA Academies Women’s Program, the first camp in the initiative will be held March 9-11 at NBA Academy Latin America, a basketball training center in Mexico City. Olympic gold medalist and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame member Jennifer Azzi will oversee the camps along with two-time WNBA Champion Ruth Riley and former college coach Blair Hardiek.
Approximately 20-25 prospects will attend the first camp. The NBA, Mexico’s National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport, and the Mexican Basketball Federation will identify the prospects who will attend. Participants will include players ages 17 and under from throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. According to the NBA, similar camps are planned for Australia, China, India and Senegal by the end of 2018.
“It’s an honor to be a part of the NBA Academies Women’s Program,” said Azzi in a statement. “I’m looking forward to working with the talented girls from Africa, Australia, China, India and Latin America and helping them maximize their potential on and off the court.”
