America's NBA to touch base in Africa

  1. Posted on Monday 15 February 2010 - 12:40
    Sanday
    Image of Sanday
    Sanday Chongo Kabange, AfricaNews reporter in Lusaka, Zambia
    Africans with a passion for basketball have welcomed intentions by the United States of America's National Basketball Association (NBA) to open up an office in Africa.
    NBA
    The NBA became a little more international Saturday after Commissioner David Stern announced that the league will open an office this spring in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Amadou Gallo Fall and a small staff will work to promote the game, encourage development and expand partnerships.

    "We think it's an extraordinary opportunity," said Stern, who later explained that the NBA plans "to invest in Africa." He said Fall was a slam-dunk choice to head the new office.

    Before joining the NBA as its vice president of development in Africa, Fall worked with the Dallas Mavericks as their director of player personnel and vice president of international affairs. He also worked in Africa with the NBA's Basketball Without Borders, a developmental program that goes beyond the sport to encourage education and social responsibility.

    "My story is a testament to the power of sports," Fall said, "and to sport as a tool for development."

    Some basketball fanatics spoken to by Africa News in Zambia say the move by the NBA will enhance and promote talents among many basketball loving Africans.

    Charles “Cee-lo” Lesho said, “I am very excited about this. You know we have so many Africans who want to play in the NBA and the opening up a branch in Africa will realise the dreams of some of us”.

    Lameck Mutale Chanda alias LMC, also expressed optimism that the move by the NBA to open an office in South Africa will improve the game of basketball on the continent.

    “I am sure we will see a move from Angola which has dominated the arena for decades. The Johannesburg NBA office will shape the future of B’ball in Africa and you can mark my words on this one,” said LMC, while strutting his basketball skills at a Lusaka sports complex over the weekend.

    Hakeem Olajuwon of Nigeria, selected in the first round of the NBA Draft in 1984, was the first native African to play in the league. Since then, 24 more Africans have played in the NBA. And some were on hand for Saturday's announcement, including the NBA's official global ambassador, Dikembe Mutombo of Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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