Award winning developmental program “Giants of Africa” has commenced in Ghana’s capital, Accra following a successful stint in Senegal. The program which is a brainchild of Toronto Raptors General Manager Masai Ujiri marked its second edition in the West African country.
The program earned Masai a Meritorious Award for the Development of basketball in Africa at the 2016 Ghana Basketball Awards.
This year’s edition had 50 young talented athletes go through several fundamental basketball drills including shooting, passing and running set plays at the Lincoln Community School by former international players.
The participants were drafted to the program from several spots in the nation and participated in two sessions on the first day. Accra Basketball League young prospects Raymond Affram of Galaxy and Lankai Blankson Mills of DC Dynamics are among participants for this year.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Basketballghana.com, T.J.Tijani, a member of the coaching staff and Business Development Manager, said, “It’s been a wonderful day. The kids have intensity they work hard and that’s what it takes; you work hard, you get better”.
Recently crowned High School Most Valuable Player of the Year Dennis Dugbenu formerly of St. Augustine’s College, participated in the sessions and was delighted with the program.
“I think it’s really great, all the coaches are good…I appreciate it, I have learnt a lot from this camp” he said.
Dugbenu won the title at the 2016 Ghana Basketball Awards after leading St. Augustine’s College to a maiden national title after beating Mfantsipim School at the 2016 Sprite Ball Championship.
