CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- This weekend isn’t just about the NBA All-Star game, it’s also about some of the world’s best young players.

  • Organizers say 63 high school aged boys and girls from 31 countries are participating
  • The camp runs through Sunday at Queens University
  • The program has a record of success

Organizers say 63 high school aged boys and girls from 31 countries are in Charlotte for the NBA's fifth Basketball Without Borders Global Camp.

“I think it's a good opportunity for young kids to compete with guys from all over the world,” said Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokić.

Jokić is from Serbia and assisted players at the camp. He says being around international players makes them stronger in the long run.

 

 

The program has a record of success. Basketball Without Borders has reached more than 3,300 players and 55 of them have been drafted into the NBA or signed as free agents.

“Grow the next generation of talent so that we have a strong pipeline of international talent and those guys become our ambassadors,” said Chris Ebersole who works for the NBA.

NBA and WNBA coaches spend the weekend teaching the players. There are also scouts seated along the court to keep a close eye. Additionally, the camp is also about developing players off the court.

“Give them some things they can take away in terms of life skills, in terms of how to carry yourself in terms of a professional,” Ebersole said.

While the focus of this weekend may be on the NBA's all stars, this group hopes to one day join the ranks.

“Some of these guys are probably going to be in the NBA and some of them are probably never going to play basketball. You never know,” Jokić says.

This could be a launching pad to having them joins the sports elite. The camp runs through Sunday at Queens University.

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