LAGOS (Training camp) - The basketball developmental training camp best known as The Nigerian Big Man 2006 opened up in Lagos last Wednesday at the National Stadium with 54 Nigerian youth participating.
The media briefing and the players arrival and check in formalities on that day, marked the start of the program for this season.
But the following day the young players commenced serious field work under the supervision of coaches from Nigeria, United States and Europe. The players with minimum height of about 6-8" and above were selected carefully over the months from across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
The program is under the auspices of Radar Hoops, which is managed by Nigeria's former internationals Masai Ujiri and Godwin Owinje. Both are based in the USA. Masai who also work as an assistant coach in the Nigeria Basketball federation (NBBF) programs told the media the camp would not deviate from the basic of setting Nigeria players in the right stepping at the right age.
"We are fully committed to making Nigeria kids explore all opportunities lined up with basketball. The truth is that not all can play in the NBA eventually but it is right to train them properly at the right age so that those who are clearly gifted can compete confidently with any player from any where in the world.
"It is also very necessary to prepare everyone in such a way that they can get educated highly and move on to other meaningful activities that can see them through life around the game or off basketball. Some of us did not get the chance but we have the opportunity to help these talented Nigerians. Plenty sponsors or none at all we'll not relent one bit," Masai said.
The first Vice president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) who represented the Federation Elder Segun Erinle said the Federation and indeed Nigeria is blessed to have people with heart for those coming behind them.
"We are highly touched by the efforts of Masai both for this program and his work with the junior national team. Thank God too for others like Olumide Oyedeji and Nestle Milo.
"For this particular event (Big Man Camp) it is something we have to work closely with Masai and improve upon any where we have made errors. It has been good but there is always room for improvement," Erinle remarked.
The Camp Director Col. Sam Ahmedu (rtd) assured that all materials needed for the event were already available. Former national coach Oliver B. Johnson is also part of the program that will run through Saturday.
Pius Ayinor
FIBA Official Correspondent in Nigeria