Basketball Without Borders (BWB), a joint global development initiative by the NBA and FIBA, marked its 25th anniversary this year. Over more than two decades, this program has been instrumental in launching the careers of some of basketball’s top talents, including two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 2023 MVP Joel Embiid, four-time All-Star Pascal Siakam, and 2023 champion Jamal Murray.
The benefits of BWB extend beyond the players themselves. Magic guard Jalen Suggs recently shared with CBS Sports from Istanbul that coaching young prospects gives him a fresh perspective not only on basketball but also on life. Suggs was among several NBA players, including Khris Middleton, who participated as coaches in BWB’s first men’s “Next Up” camp, which took place in Türkiye. Alongside NBA coaches and staff, they led activities such as athletic testing, skills development, life skills workshops, and competitive games at the Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi facility.
To commemorate BWB’s 25th year, the NBA and FIBA introduced a revamped format featuring two annual camps for the best 80 male and female prospects from outside the United States. The inaugural women’s Next Up camp is scheduled for this fall, with its location yet to be revealed. Players who stand out at these Next Up camps will receive invitations to the annual BWB All-Star camps during NBA and WNBA All-Star Weekends.
The decision to alter the camp structure came from a desire to align with the evolving global basketball landscape, explained NBA Director of Elite Basketball Brendan McKillop. He noted that the talent pool from traditionally less basketball-centric countries is rising, making the overall level of competition much stronger worldwide.
Historically, BWB consisted of four regional camps across Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, but the new format gathers the top players from all these regions into one event. Since the program’s inception, nearly 5,000 players from 149 countries and territories have participated, with 155 alumni having played in the NBA or WNBA. Last week’s camp in Istanbul featured participants from 44 countries on six continents, with Serbian Matija Lukic earning camp MVP honors and Portuguese Miguel Sousa recognized as defensive MVP.
Suggs praised the skills, basketball IQ, and athleticism of the young players in attendance. The process of scouting these prospects involves a dedicated NBA team led by McKillop, who tirelessly tracks international talent through FIBA events, tournaments, and connections with clubs and agents worldwide to create comprehensive player evaluations.
Bringing all the best prospects together in one place not only offers those from less competitive regions a rare chance to face elite opponents but also provides greater visibility to NBA scouts. McKillop emphasized that many of these players get their first real opportunity to be noticed and that the program can be life-changing. Holding a centralized camp also simplifies scouting logistics for NBA teams, which are not permitted direct contact but can observe all on-court activity. In Istanbul, dozens of league scouts were present.
An important aspect of BWB’s success has been involving current NBA players as volunteer coaches. McKillop’s team visits all 30 NBA teams during the season to build relationships and identify players who might make good coaches for BWB. Some coaches, like Joel Embiid and Danilo Gallinari, are former BWB participants, while others, including Suggs and Middleton, volunteer because they want to give back and help nurture young talent.
Middleton shared that mentoring the prospects helps reduce their nerves by showing them that basketball is simply about enjoying the game and competing hard. Both he and Suggs participated in the 2023 camp in Johannesburg and plan to continue their involvement. McKillop expressed gratitude for the players and staff who volunteer their time, highlighting the short offseasons and demanding schedules they manage to support the initiative.
The rise of international basketball stars has paralleled the growth of BWB. In 1995, there were only 24 NBA players born outside the U.S., but by last season, that number had soared to a record 135, including over 50 former BWB participants. International No. 1 draft picks have increased significantly during the BWB era, and since the program began, there have been 11 international MVPs compared to just one before BWB started. Middleton noted the significant increase in international players on NBA rosters and how their diverse playing styles enrich the game.
Suggs has studied soccer to better understand and appreciate the international dynamics his teammates bring. McKillop highlighted the snowball effect of young athletes around the world seeing basketball as a viable future and getting inspired to play.
Looking ahead, the NBA aims to continue expanding its global reach with further growth of the Basketball Africa League and plans to launch an NBA Europe League by 2027, although details are still being finalized. McKillop anticipates continued global competition and development, with countries rapidly advancing their basketball infrastructure and investment.
Suggs sees himself remaining involved in the program long-term, cherishing the opportunity to share wisdom with young players chasing their dreams. He enjoys engaging with the campers and looks forward to facing some of them as future teammates or rivals on the court.
Fan Take:
This milestone for Basketball Without Borders underscores how the NBA and FIBA’s commitment to global talent development is transforming the sport. For basketball fans, it means we’re witnessing the emergence of a truly international game where the next generation of stars is more diverse and skilled than ever before—ensuring even richer competition and excitement ahead.
Source: www.cbssports.com
