SALY, Senegal – A large bubble surrounds two full sized basketball courts in the heart of this beach town just over 50 miles from the country’s capital in Dakar. In the morning and in the evenings approximately 20 young men…
Baltimore’s Backbone
Capital News Service met with more than 70 small business owners and staff across Baltimore to understand how they survive in the era of big box stores and online shopping. What we found was a bit unexpected: a deeper understanding of how small businesses contribute to the social fabric of Baltimore.
How NBA Academy Africa fuels the future of basketball
SALY, Senegal — Gaetan Teumgue Wafo, a 16-year-old, 6-foot-11 power forward/center from Cameroon, first picked up a basketball in 2021. Now at NBA Academy Africa, Wafo has made significant strides in his physical development with help from the academy’s focus…
NBA Academy Africa newcomers find common ground in unfamiliar world
SALY, Senegal — It’s tough being the new kid. But 17-year-old Zie Cheick Hassan Conde was just that when he arrived at NBA Academy Africa in September 2023. The 6-foot-8 wing was the only player from the Ivory Coast —…
Five things to know about the NBA Academy Africa
The NBA Academy Africa opened in Saly, Senegal, in 2018. It houses elite basketball players from Africa to train in preparation for a collegiate or professional career. From inside the gym to notable academy alums, here are five things to…
At NBA Academy Africa, a commitment to supporting the youngest players
SALY, Senegal — Seifeldin Hendawy traveled to this coastal resort town when he was 16 years old. Over three thousand miles away from his home in Egypt, Hendawy chased a dream of a professional basketball career at NBA Academy Africa.…
African basketball’s changing of the guard
SALY, Senegal – Joel Embiid, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dikembe Mutombo. These are the elite African professional basketball players that National Basketball Association fans have known over the decades, towering big men who dominate the low post on both ends of the…
BAL Championship: Playing with pride
After the Basketball Africa League Championship Game, Solo Diabate and Carlos Morais, two highly accomplished African basketball players, reflected on why they play for the BAL. Both found a common similarity; they are representing Africa.
NBA Finals inspire players at NBA Academy Africa
SALY, Senegal – Players at the NBA Academy in Africa stayed up late to watch Game One of the NBA finals. Practices at the academy are usually early in the morning but staff granted a later start to give players…
Club Rafiki: Where basketball dreams flourish
KIGALI, Rwanda – Club Rafiki provides free access to basketball for kids in Kigali. Two courts established in 2022 sit side by side and serve as a meeting space and training ground.