Basketball to get a boost

World Wide Scholarships, the leading organisation linking talented young African athletes with opportunities to study and compete internationally, has entered into a partnership with Hoops

Consulting and Todd Landrey to develop basketball on the continent.

For more than two decades Landrey managed and operated the most successful and sought-after youth development camp in the NBA, for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Under his direction and mentorship, the 76ers’ development camps produced 27 NBA and WNBA stars.

Now, said WWS CEO Munya Maraire, Landrey is turning his attention to the fertile talent pipeline of young African athletes in his new position as director of basketball camps and recruitment.

ALSO READ: Modderfontein parents highlight childhood cancer awareness

“Todd will work with WWS to develop African basketball through talent identification and development, coach education and internships at both amateur and professional level.

“His experience in talent identification, assessments and trials is second to none and African players stand to benefit from his eye for talent and proven development methodology,” said Maraire.

Among other tasks, Landrey will help organise basketball trials to scout top talent from the continent, as well as running talent development camps and further trials for selected players to be placed with clubs from the United States and Europe.

“There will also be a trials programme to place talented American players with top African clubs to function as a skills exchange. We will also be running coaching education courses in African for young players and professional coaches, as well as establishing a basketball academy leveraging the skills and experience of top coaches from the United States,” Maraire added.

WWS and Landrey aim to coordinate invitations for African teams to participate in international off-season tournaments to increase exposure to top-flight basketball, as well as tours for professional and amateur African basketball teams.

“As always, we will also be looking to coordinate high school and university scholarships for talented young Africans who show potential to go on to future stardom in the sport,” Maraire said.

Landrey said interest in basketball and the NBA continues to grow in Africa.

“The NBA and European leagues are opening new talent scouting opportunities as gateways for African talent, so it is our goal to coordinate and manage the development of young players from youth leagues to professional opportunities. These platforms have the potential to change lives and put African talent on the biggest stage of all, the NBA.”

WWS, Hoops Consulting and Landrey are planning a basketball talent identification and development camp in September and December as the first phase of the partnership.

For more information and to register for the camp please visit www.wwsscoutcamp.com

Also follow us on: