Future basketball stars' path to the NBA will go through Istanbul

Istanbul is set to become a hub for future basketball talent as it hosts the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Next Up Camp from August 26-29. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the NBA and FIBA's global basketball development and community outreach program.

The camp will gather 80 elite young male athletes from across the globe at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center. These aspiring players will benefit from specialized training and mentorship provided by NBA legends, current players, and coaches. This initiative is a crucial step in their development, offering invaluable experience for their burgeoning careers.

Past BWB camps have proven to be a significant launchpad for future NBA stars. A record 135 international players were on opening night rosters in the recent NBA season, with 50 of them having participated in BWB programs. Notable alumni include NBA MVP Joel Embiid and All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and Pascal Siakam, highlighting the program's success in identifying and nurturing talent.

Since its inception in 2001, BWB has reached over 4,900 participants from 149 countries and regions. Of these, 155 have gone on to play in the NBA or WNBA. The program has organized 86 camps in 56 cities across six continents, underscoring its extensive global reach and commitment to developing basketball talent worldwide.