Former US President Barrack Obama has stated the National Basketball Association (NBA), through the Basketball Africa League (BAL) will make a “substantial” difference in Africa.
He made this statement on a conference call held during the NBA’s All Star Weekend Celebrations in Cleveland; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hosted the virtual conference.
Big NBA personalities with direct connections to Africa were on the call including NBA Hall of Fame Center Dikembe Mutombo, Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri and BAL President Amadou Fall.
Speaking at the Conference, President Obama stated, “I really believe what the NBA is doing in Africa will make a substantial difference beyond just getting more people involved in the game…in Africa, basketball also has the power to promote opportunity and wellness and equality across the continent. I am confident NBA Africa will make a positive difference for generations to come.” (Click highlighted text to watch Conference Call)
The BAL is a continental tournament in Africa organized by the NBA and FIBA Africa and commenced in 2021. 12 teams from representing various countries on the continent will compete in this year’s edition from March 5 to May 28 in Senegal, Egypt and Rwanda.
Egyptian side Zamalek is the defending BAL Champion.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
