NBA/FIBA coaches and players to train and mentor over 150 top players from three continents 

MIAMI, 06/05 – The NBA and FIBA announced today that NBA Hall of Famer and Miami HEAT Assistant Coach Bob McAdoo will join the Basketball without Borders 2009 initiative. McAdoo, along with NBA players Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo and Jason Terry, will join other coaches from around the league at the National Olympic Training Center Gymnasium in Beijing, People’s Republic of China from July 30 thru August 2 to participate in the Basketball without Borders program which uses sport to create positive social change in the areas of education, health and wellness. In addition to Beijing, other camps will also be held in Mexico City, Mexico and Johannesburg, South Africa. 

“Basketball without Borders helps us to grow the game of basketball and bring attention to important social issues that affect communities around the world,” said Kathleen Behrens, NBA Executive Vice President, Social Responsibility and Player Programs.  “We know that by teaching the values of the game - teamwork, sportsmanship, hard work, and healthy living our current and former players and coaches can also make a lasting impact on communities in need.” 

The top youth players 19 and under from Asia, Latin America and Africa, as selected by the NBA, FIBA and participating federations, will train under NBA players and coaches and compete against their peers.  Campers will be divided into teams independent of race, religion or nationality to promote friendship and diversity.  NBA players will partner with local community groups to lead daily life-skills sessions focusing on the importance of education, leadership, character development, health and wellness.  Through NBA Cares, the league’s social responsibility initiative, NBA players and coaches will participate in extensive community outreach programs with local non-profit organizations including the creation of places for children and families to live, learn or play. 

“Basketball without Borders is a unique program in that it emphasizes more than basketball skills in top-young talent” said FIBA Development Director Zoran Radovic. “Campers benefit from both the highest level of basketball instruction and they are also equipped with the tools to make a positive impact among their peers and become role-models in their communities.”