Kyle Ramos

In his six minutes of floor time, Queta finished with five rebounds, one block, one assist, and one childhood dream fulfilled, proud to represent and inspire his native country, yet eager to be more than an answer to a trivia question.

“It’s a big honor,” he said. “Nothing comes given to you; you have to go get it. I feel like it’s something that I’ve been trying to get since I’ve been playing basketball and it’s a great accomplishment. I’m happy with it, but I’m just trying to go as far as [my career] can go.”

The 7-foot center comes far, far away from the lights, the cameras, the celebrity of NBA basketball, in a land where children practice bouncing soccer balls on grassy fields the way their American counterparts dribble basketballs on concrete driveways and city playgrounds.

So Queta spent his early years doing way more kicking than dunking, idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo instead of LeBron James. The NBA was seldom televised and aired at odd hours, so he wouldn’t watch games with any regularity until his mid-teens.

In elementary school, a teacher invited Queta’s older sister to try out for the basketball team, and Neemias tagged along out of curiosity. The 10-year-old towered so high above his classmates, that Barreirense, a men’s professional basketball team that was training in the same gym, persuaded him to join their workout.

He was soon transfixed by the game. Even though he wasn’t nearly as skilled, much less so experienced, as most of his teammates at first, Queta says, competing against players nearly twice his age sped up his development and spurred his journey to the big leagues.

“It was actually fun,” Queta said. “Being able to be in an environment where everybody is older than you … it just helped me grow up a little bit earlier than I needed to. But at the same time, it was challenging. You’re not going to have the same level of comfort as playing against guys your age. It just helped me mature a lot.”

With his height and arm reach, it might be natural to presume shot-blocking would’ve been his special weapon from the onset, but Queta didn’t view himself as a master of the rejection at first. It wasn’t until he recognized how his wingspan and defensive instincts could transform a game and effect an opponent’s psyche.

“I really wasn’t a rim protector, so to speak,” he said. “ [I needed to] develop my body, just get stronger, and be able to move better on the court. But with time, I just started understanding that with all the length and intangibles I have, I could be able to protect the rim at a high level. I feel like that was the thing I wanted to develop the most. 

After a few years of interspersing weight work with nightly training sessions and scrimmages, Queta had both the game and the confidence to ditch his soccer cleats for high-top sneakers exclusively.

By then, his sights were set on testing himself against the highest level of competition in the sport. 

“[Before age] 16, 17, I was just playing basketball as a hobby; [it was] nothing that I actually thought I could make a living out of,” he said. “But with the help of my coaches, with the influence they’ve had on me, it just flipped the switch in my mind. That was the time when I decided to shift my attention to basketball 100 percent.”

In 2017-18, Queta played a handful of games on the secondary and main teams for SL Benfica, Portugal’s most accomplished basketball club. He began drawing early buzz from ESPN and Draft Express during that year’s U18 European Championships, in which the rising big man averaged 10.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

That buzz escalated into a fervor from several Division I programs after Queta’s performance with the   Portuguese U-20 national team in the 2018 European Championships, where he led the entire tournament with 2.9 blocks, along with 14.3 points and a team-best 10.3 rebounds per game. In a win against the Netherlands, he came one swat short of a rare triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds and nine blocked shots.

“That was when teams started reaching out to me,” Queta said. “I considered a lot of schools. I honestly wanted to commit to Texas Tech or Creighton, but I ended up not doing it. Utah State didn’t reach out to me until late March, I believe. At the time, I didn’t feel it was a guarantee [I would commit to Utah State] at all.” 

The Aggies had a strong advantage that no other school could offer: Diogo Brito, a junior guard on the roster, was a fellow Portugal native who happened to be a former classmate of Queta’s older sister. But Queta was still on the fence about his basketball future, until Eric Peterson, an assistant coach at Utah State, flew to Portugal to personally recruit him, meet with his family and answer all of their questions. That, combined with reassuring text messages from Brito, set Utah State apart from other schools on his trail.

The adjustment from sunny Barreiro, a stone’s throw from golden stretches of sand, to Logan, a bus ride away from some of the most popular skiing and snowboarding destinations, was difficult, Queta admits. In his free time, he buried himself in journalism textbooks and binged TV shows, including “Prison Break,” in his dorm room.

There were times when Queta missed his old life at home, but the support and encouragement of his teammates and family members helped lessen the culture shock imposed by traversing the Atlantic Ocean on his own.

“It was hard, but at the end of the day, it’s something I knew I was going to have to go through,” Queta said. “Whenever I decided, ‘Ok, I want to make basketball a living,’ I was aware that could be a possibility. I could’ve been in a place way worse than that … I just tried to [tell myself], I have a lot to do.”

On the court, the transition was much smoother. Nothing was lost in translation, as Queta was fluent in English after taking reading and writing classes since third grade and played alongside American teammates in Portugal.

Like many European imports, Queta recognized he needed to bulk up to hold his own in a more physical U.S. game, and the quicker pace took him by surprise. But at the end of the day, basketball is basketball, and the talented freshman soon emerged into one of the premier young big men in the nation. 

With averages of 11.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game — a single-season school record 84 total denials — he took home Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors, and was named Second Team All-Mountain West. 

Queta declared for the NBA Draft that spring, but decided to withdraw his name after meeting with 11 teams at the combine and gauging feedback from league personnel.

“Honestly, I just felt like I wasn’t ready,” he said. “I felt like I needed a couple of more years in college, just to get accustomed to what the American basketball scene looks like. Just understand more of what I was getting into and [to develop] my game to the level where I’m at today.”

He returned to Utah State on a mission, checking off boxes, one by one, on a list of shortcomings identified by NBA scouts.

“They told me to work on my body, just try to get stronger,” he said. “I feel I’ve been doing that for the last two years. I’ve gained a lot [of weight]. And then I just developed my shooting, because my freshman year, I shot literally 50 percent from the free throw line. Last year, I finished with 70 percent.”

As a junior, Queta led the Mountain West Conference in rebounds (10.1), blocks (3.3) and field-goal percentage (.559), repeating as Defensive Player of the Year and earning All-MWC First Team honors.

Relentless in his pursuit of a rejection, Queta, the third-leading shot-blocker in the nation, partially credits footwork and coordination he learned in soccer for his defensive technique. Queta leaves his feet a split second after the shooter does, he says, synchronizing his arm’s extension with the apex of his opponent’s jump shot.

“It’s being relentless, knowing where you are all the time, knowing where the ball is, knowing when to jump; timing, that's a big key for that,” he said. “You have to know what guys like to do, but at the same time, a lot of it just turns into last-second adjustments on [opponents’] shots.”

His game will always be predicated on defense, but the 20-year-old prospect showed he’s more than just an excellent rim-runner and paint-protector. With a nice array of moves around the basket and an effective perimeter jump shot, he increased his scoring average for the third straight season (14.9).

“Being able to space the floor is something that’s becoming more required out of bigs nowadays in the league,” he said. “I’ve always been a good shooter in my life, so I don’t see why I shouldn’t be taking those shots.”

When opposing teams double-teamed him in the post, Queta, who lists Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid and Bam Adebayo among his favorite players to watch, also impressed by kicking the ball out to open shooters or finding cutters inside the paint. His 77 assists led the Aggies, no small feat for a center, and his 18.6 assist rate was the 10th-highest at his position in the last five years, according to sports-reference.com.

At the 2021 combine, Queta was a far superior player to the one who underperformed two years prior.  This time, he raised his draft profile with not only his defensive awareness, but his ability to pick and pop and toss nifty dump-offs to open teammates.

Ranked as a low-second rounder in early mock drafts, he climbed as high as the end of the first round in many final roundups. Queta, who met with the Kings at the combine and worked out for the team in Sacramento, was one of general manager Monte McNair’s top targets leading into the draft. When the Utah State product was still on the board at No. 39, McNair was thrilled to welcome him to Northern California.

“Neemy is someone we’ve been looking at for a while,” McNair said. “We were really excited when he was there at 39 and we were ready to call it in.”

Queta watched the draft in California with his mother and closest friends, calling the night a “dream come true,” and more emotional than he expected.

“[Sacramento] pretty much felt like home from the beginning,” said Queta, who signed a two-way contract that allows him to split time between the G League and NBA.

Queta has been even more exceptional in the G League, where he’s the only player currently averaging at least 15 points (15.3), nine rebounds (9.1) and two blocks (2.3; third in the league). With Queta on the court, the Stockton Kings defense has held opponents to just 91.8 points per 100 possessions, tied for the eighth-lowest rating among all players, per NBA.com. Overall, the team is outscoring its opposition by a staggering 25.4 points per 100 possessions when its prized big man has been on the floor.

Those nightly reps gave him consistent playing time and a nice head start on his pro career. So when Sacramento, shorthanded due to several players in health and safety protocols, recalled him from the G League, Queta was ready for the opportunity he’d craved since that day he followed his sister to basketball tryouts.

“I still [get] chills [thinking about it] because I haven’t fully experienced the NBA debut,” he said, one day prior to checking into his first game. “I’m really hungry for it.”

It’s an experience he and all of Portugal will forever cherish, but one that Queta hopes ultimately is a footnote in a lengthy, productive NBA career.

“Just to be on that NBA court … you know how many people want to be on that NBA court?” he said. “That just makes me really grateful. At the same time, I’m looking forward to what the future has for me … I’m enjoying it as much as I can, and I’m just trying to make the most out of it.”

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Historic Debut Is Just the Beginning for Neemias Queta

Since its launch in 2020, Clubhouse has quickly emerged as a fun way to learn and connect with people online, and the Kings are joining the dialogue.

On a date to be announced, the team will host Tyrese Haliburton for a conversation about tech, hoops, and more.

Fans looking to join the conversation are encouraged to download the iOS-only app within the App Store, seek an invite from a friend who has an active account, follow the Sacramento Kings, and the NBA Courtside club.

Along with hearing Haliburton join Kings Digital’s Kyle Ramos for an entertaining discussion, select fans will have the opportunity to jump in and ask the Kings rookie a question of their own. Stay tuned for updates on when the conversation will take place!

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Haliburton to Participate in First-Ever NBA Team Clubhouse Conversation

The Sacramento Kings announced today that the team has acquired a 2021 second-round draft selection and cash considerations from the Houston Rockets in exchange for the draft rights to forward Kenyon Martin Jr., according to General Manager Monte McNair.

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Kings Acquire 2021 Second-Round Draft Selection and Cash Considerations From Rockets

On the heels of an exciting 2020 NBA Draft, analysts and media across the Association were eager to share their thoughts on each team’s performance on Draft Day.

The Kings came away with three new players on Wednesday night, including Iowa State guard Ty Haliburton, Mississippi State forward Robert Woodard II, and Texas Tech guard Jahmi’us Ramsey.

Here’s a look at how Sactown fared in the eyes of the experts following the Draft.

“Haliburton...brings size, savvy, playmaking chops, defensive acumen, and versatility to a Kings backcourt.”

“Landing Robert Woodard II and Jah’mius Ramsey, a pair of potential two-way contributors, with mid-second-round picks is a nice haul, too.” - Dan Devine

“Monte McNair's first draft with the Kings was a rousing success, and it started by snatching up a falling Haliburton, who was ranked sixth in the CBS Sports Prospect Rankings.”

“Sacramento followed that up with Woodard, a tremendous defensive wing prospect, and Ramsey, a straight bucket-getter and knock-down 3-point shooter. This was a great start for the new regime in Sacramento.” - Colin Ward-Henniger &amp; Kyle Boone

“The steal of this draft might be Iowa State point guard Tyrese Haliburton at No. 12. Then the franchise went out and made a major splash with great second-round selections and acquisitions.” - Scott Gleeson

“The Iowa State product is a skilled playmaker and unselfish passer, consistently bringing the best out of teammates with limited talent as a college player.” - Michael Shapiro

“Haliburton isn’t only an excellent value in this slot; he looks like a dream backcourt mate for De’Aaron Fox.” - Zack Buckley

“[Haliburton’s] a dangerous shooter, an elite passer and an extraordinary teammate. The Kings’ two second-round picks were advised choices: wing Robert Woodard of Mississippi State and guard Jahmi’us Ramsey of Texas Tech.” - Mike Decourcy

“[Haliburton] should be a really nice fit next to De’Aaron Fox in Sacramento.” - Ricky O’Donnell

Stay tuned to Kings.com for more as the three rookies take the Kings practice court for the first time when Training Camp tips off in a few weeks.

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2020 Kings Draft Grades Round-Up

With social justice, racial equality, voting and other societal topics at the forefront of people’s minds, the Sacramento Kings partnered with several franchises across the NBA and WNBA to foster important discussions in the third installment of Team Up for Change.

Joining the Kings in these conversations were the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, Indiana Pacers and Fever, Dallas Mavericks and Wings, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver along with Kings Owner &amp; Chairman Vivek Ranadivé provided opening remarks to tip-off the event that was done remotely and virtually.

Former Kings forward and NBA Champion Caron Butler started the main program out by sharing his inspirational path from a troubled teenager to becoming a success on and off the court.

Next up was the topic of police accountability, with a discussion between Marisa Renee Lee of The Justice Collaborative and Milwaukee Bucks Sideline &amp; Digital Reporter Zora Stephenson. The pair talked about what true police reform looks like in an effort to create true public safety.

Tyra Patterson then shared her remarkable story of serving 20-plus years in prison for a crime that she was wrongly convicted of and how she is fighting for others to not end up in similar situations.

Following these discussions, Stockton native and America’s Got Talent Season 15 Winner Brandon Leake performed a spoken word piece titled “Mosaic”.

A panel conversation came next with the topic of civic engagement and voting at the center of it. Dallas Mavericks Game Night Emcee &amp; Inclusion Ambassador Chris Arnold hosted a group consisting of Akilah Wallace of Faith in Texas, Veronica Torres Hazley of Hey Chica!, Xavier Henderson of Strategy at For Oak Cliff, and Elizabeth Henneke of the Lone Star Justice Alliance as they highlighted the importance of civic awareness and engagement to address racial inequities, promote social justice and drive sustainable change.

Kings forward Harrison Barnes and his wife Brittany were next to share as they touched on why everyone’s vote matters on a national and local level.

Sacramento poet laureate Chianne “Cloudy” Carrier added another spoken word performance to the program with her reading of “This Poem Gone Hurt”.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert made some remarks on the great work the WNBA has been doing to advocate for social justice.

Chicago Sky guard Sydney Colson followed the Commissioner’s remarks with her own take on the WNBA’s social justice initiatives with Kings Sideline Reporter &amp; Analyst Kayte Hunter to discuss her role in the WNBA Social Justice Council and more.

The conversation then moved to policy reform.

Chanda Smith Baker of The Minneapolis Foundation, joined by Minnesota Lynx Head Coach &amp; General Manager Cheryl Reeve and Minnesota Timberwolves Head Coach Ryan Saunders, led a discussion about the policies, research, advocacy and convening necessary for long-term systemic criminal justice reform.

Continuing the dialogue were Dr. Katrice Albert of Third Eye Consulting Group LLC and Dr. Sean Huddleston of Martin University, where they discussed Inclusive Excellence and why it’s everyone’s responsibility to reduce their bias and increase their cultural intelligence around topics of equity and inclusion.

Indiana poet laureate Alyssa Gaines had a spoken word performance of her piece, “Aguas Negra.”

Moving to economic empowerment, Cleveland Cavaliers Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement Kevin Clayton hosted a discussion with Danielle Sydnor of the NAACP and LaRese Purnell of CLE Consulting Firm on the challenges Black entrepreneurs face and how the Cavaliers are working to lift up and partner with Black-owned businesses in surrounding communities.

In support of Team Up for Change’s efforts, Black employees throughout participating organizations came together to relay that Black representation matters across all levels of businesses.

To close out the historic event, leaders from the Kings, WNBA, Bucks, Timberwolves, Lynx, Pacers, Fever, Mavericks, Wings and Cavaliers addressed where the NBA and WNBA have been, where they are today and what’s ahead in the continued pursuit of racial equality and social justice.

Watch the full Team Up for Change Summit below.

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Kings Join with 8 NBA and WNBA Teams to Host Third Team Up for Change Summit Virtually

Rookies usually have all kinds of “welcome to the NBA” moments on the court but Jason Williams had his...under a bus.

Last month, Kings legend Chris Webber recounted a story while appearing on the broadcast for NBA on TNT about when he figured out a creative way to make J-Will honor his rookie duties. 

Instead of carrying the bags for his teammates, Williams was riding with them.

During No. 55’s first season in the Association, Webber admitted that he made Williams ride in the undercarriage of the bus alongside the team’s luggage on the drive from the plane to the hotel. 

White Chocolate remained a good sport about the situation, even acknowledging the “traumatic” event on Twitter.

Whether on the court or on the bus ride, it seems J-Will was always in his bag.

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J-Will’s Bizarre Bus Ride

In the third installment of our Kings.com series for Latinx Heritage Month Spotlight, we sat down with Alex Rodrigo as he discussed his heritage, inspiration, and journey.

How would you describe your role with the Sacramento Kings?

My responsibilities include building operations, engineering, housekeeping, food and beverage, security, booking &amp; event production, box office operations and maintaining a high-quality guest experience. My key role is planning and managing all day-to-day Golden 1 Center arena operations to ensure optimal operation of the building during all events. I also work closely with senior leadership to develop and execute strategic plans and programs that support business objectives.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I enjoy every aspect of my job, but if I have to pick one thing, it’s the people I work with and serve! 

Working in Sports and Entertainment covers a wide range of commitments and responsibilities that can change from day to day. We have a general set of rules that we need to follow that are non-negotiable. However, live performances have so many moving pieces that are all dependent on one another coming together for us to be successful. It’s a tremendous responsibility that requires people to perform at an exceptional level in all areas. That being said, one consistent element is the amazing group of men and women within our organization that truly care about getting it right for the team, artist, promoter, corporate partners, fans, guests, staff and community! 

In what ways do you celebrate your Latinx heritage?

Through the food we share, music, speaking Spanish when the opportunity presents itself or creating opportunities in my day-to-day that highlights our rich and diverse culture.  It’s an everyday occurrence for me professionally and personally. 

How would you characterize your journey to where you are today?

I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to work in Sports and Entertainment.  It’s a journey of a million miles and each step has and continues to be the most important moment in my life.  Maya Angelou said it best,“be present in all things and thankful for all things.” 

This is not a journey of one, but of many, and because of that I realize I did not get here on my own.  I remain grateful to everyone that helped shape who I am today. 

Without any doubt, my family.  My parents not only believed in hard work and education, but also the importance of family.  Be the best version of yourself – there’s only one of you!

What challenges do you think confront Latinx in the United States today?

Systemic racism has historically prevented Latinx communities and other communities of color from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health.  In 2016 Latinx children accounted for one-fourth of the U.S. children under 18, and by 2050 they are projected to make up nearly one-third of the child population.  

The disparities in educational attainment, health insurance coverage, and youth incarceration is directly tied to the racial/ethnic gaps in poverty and education.  Latinx children have the most to lose and by addressing their issues we have a chance of reducing these disparities and improving economic conditions and fueling economic growth by creating a well-qualified workforce at every level.

What advice would you offer fellow Latinos/Latinas/Latinx who are striving to succeed in the sports and entertainment industry?  

Build bridges with every race, remain hopeful, serve your community and be a champion of those around you and their needs. By helping others you will develop your skills, refine your identity and find your place on the team.  Remember, this career you seek to be a part of relies on teamwork.  It’s the essence of our business.  The playbook that defines the roles and responsibilities for each player, also defines your obligation to the team and therefore – What can you do to help your teammates, organization and community? 

Why is it important for members of the Latinx community to vote in the upcoming election? 

Elections have consequences, not voting is giving up your voice, it’s your money, voting is an opportunity for change, and the community depends on you.

Be the change you want to see in the Latinx community! It all starts with voting!

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Latinx Heritage Month Spotlight: Alex Rodrigo

In the third installment of our Kings.com series for Latinx Heritage Month Spotlight, we sat down with Gracie Mercado, leader of CONEXIÓN ÉNE-BÉ-A, an employee resource team for Latinx team members at the NBA.  

Why did the NBA decide to create a ERT solely dedicated to Latinx communities? When was CONEXIÓN ÉNE-BÉ-A started and what was the driving force behind its creation? 

The NBA has been actively engaged with the Hispanic community for more than a decade with Spanish-language TV and radio broadcasts, dedicated digital platforms and a variety of community events. 

In 2009, in an effort to develop an even deeper connection, we extended our season-long efforts to more effectively connect with our Latinx fans and staff in culturally relevant ways.  Through extensive consumer research, we were able to better understand how our Hispanic fans and staff consume and experience our game.  This is when we learned of éne•bé•a – the moniker that had been used by Latinx fans for years as the unofficial name of the league.

During the 2009-10 season – as part of a comprehensive initiative to grow the game of basketball throughout the expanding U.S. Hispanic market – Éne•Bé•A launched as an official brand of the NBA.

Conexión éne-bé-a launched shortly thereafter and is one of seven NBA Employee Resource Teams (ERTs) designed to welcome and value the ideas and contributions of all employees.  We aim to promote and celebrate Hispanic/Latin cultures within the company while contributing to the league’s success and business objectives through professional development, education, recruitment and retention, social responsibility, and connectivity with external Hispanic/Latin professional networks.

ERTs such as Conexión éne-bé-a provide an opportunity to facilitate connections between employees with shared interests or backgrounds who are committed to furthering the NBA's Calling​, supporting the league's strategic priorities and providing networking and professional development opportunities year-round.  

Internally, Conexión éne-bé-a is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of activities that promote our core values of equality, diversity and inclusion, including a book club discussion around Marisel Vera’s The Taste of Sugar: A Novel, a Hispanic Heritage Month luncheon on our Orlando campus catered by Sofrito Latin Café, and a virtual cooking class with Kelvin Fernandez, winner of the cooking show “Beat Bobby Flay” and a Forbes 30 Under 30 chef, as well as leveraging educational and inclusion resources like the Smithsonian Latino Center.  Additionally, employees and fans are encouraged to use #NBAVoices and #HispanicHeritageMonth on social media to share ways they’re uplifting their communities.

What is the NBA doing specifically in Latinx markets to drive engagement and connection?

The NBA is fully committed to connecting with our Latinx fans in meaningful ways through programs that impact their community and speak to their diverse backgrounds.

Earlier this year, the league celebrated its 14th annual Noches Éne•Bé•A Latin nights program with celebratory warmup shirts, merchandise, original content on the league’s English and Spanish-language social media pages and in-arena festivities at select games in March – including a Sacramento Kings home game on March 1st.  As part of the initiative, all 30 NBA teams wore specially designed Fanatics branded Noches Éne•Bé•A warmup shirts during the first two weeks of March.  Since the launch of the campaign, we have added close to 3 million fans and the campaign continues to be successful in engaging and growing our U.S. Hispanic fan base.

In June –  as public health data made clear that the coronavirus pandemic is hitting historically marginalized communities of color the hardest – the NBA and UnidosUS collaborated on an NBA Together PSA featuring Philadelphia 76ers forward Al Horford, emphasizing a continued commitment to ensuring that the Hispanic community has the information, resources, and support it needs in response to the coronavirus.  Around that time, NBA Champion and 13-year veteran J.J. Barea and President and CEO of UnidosUS Janet Murguía were among those who participated in the NBA Together Virtual Roundtable Series exploring COVID-19’s impact on the Hispanic and Latinx community and the roots of systemic inequality that have exacerbated its effects. 

As an NBA Cares ambassador, former NBA player Felipe Lopez hosts in-language community and social justice events, emphasizing core values of respect, diversity and inclusion, helping drive connection with Latinx fans.

The Hispanic community is also at the center of the league’s ongoing efforts to promote greater civic engagement and raise awareness around voter access and opportunity.

As the League continues to expand globally, how important is Latin America to its overall growth?

The NBA has a long history in Latin America and it’s a market that we value significantly.

The NBA has a three-pronged strategy to help grow the game of basketball in Latin America.  This approach centers around creating opportunities for boys and girls to play the game; bringing the NBA experience to fans around the world through live games and interactive fan events and making the game more accessible and delivering localized content to Latin American fans. 

Underscoring our commitment to delivering live experiences for fans across the region, the NBA has played 40 games in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1991, and since 1992, 23 NBA teams – more than 75% of the league – have played in Mexico.  The league played its 29th and 30th games in Mexico earlier this season, and the country has hosted more NBA games than any country outside of U.S. and Canada.

Building on the momentum of the international games, the NBA develops in-language localized content for Latin American fans to enjoy throughout the season. NBA games and programming reach fans across Latin America in four languages, including pan-regional networks such as ESPN and Direct TV and local media partners such as Televisa (Mexico) and Globo (Brazil).  The 88 seeding games during the NBA Restart included 41 games that aired in primetime in Latin America on the NBA’s broadcast partners in the region and NBA League Pass.  Throughout the NBA Playoffs, Álvaro Martin, Enrique Garay, Nicolás Casalánguida and Fabricio Oberto have been calling select games in Spanish via NBA League Pass.  Fans can also check out an array of unique content on our NBA Brasil, NBA Mexico and NBA LatAm social handles.

On the basketball development front, we currently offer the Jr. NBA – the league’s global youth basketball program for boys and girls – across Latin America, including in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Uruguay.  In July 2019, the first-ever Jr. NBA Camp in the Dominican Republic with Al Horford of the Philadelphia 76ers took place in Santo Domingo and reached over 100 local youth during the three-day event.  Last year, we hosted our third season of the Jr. NBA League for more than 840 boys and girls in Mexico.  In 2019 the NBA also launched the first NBA Basketball School program in Brazil - a network of tuition-based basketball development programs open to male and female players.  The program includes 108 schools in 18 states across the country and has impacted more than 6,000 boys and girls (ages 6-18).  Basketball Without Borders (BWB), the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, has held camps in Argentina (2005, 2013), Brazil (2004, 2007, 2011), Dominican Republic (2015), Mexico (2009), Puerto Rico (2006) and The Bahamas (2017).

Lastly, in 2017 we announced the opening of the NBA Academy Latin America, an elite basketball training center that provides top high school-age prospects from throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America with a holistic approach to player development.  The program focuses on health and wellness, character development and life skills, and gives prospects the opportunity to learn the game from outside coaches who the NBA hires with professional, collegiate and international coaching experience.  Six players from The NBA Academy Latin America have received scholarships to attend NCAA D-1 schools and several others will be playing at junior colleges in the U.S. next year.

How important is it to acknowledge and celebrate the NBA's diverse fan base?

We are extremely proud to have such a diverse fan base, bringing together so many beautiful cultures from around the world.  Diversity is among our core values and we embrace the passion and enthusiasm of all of our fans.

We will continue celebrating our Latinx fans throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, while highlighting the excitement they bring to our league.