By Jacob Ajom
Former Nigeria basketball international star and current President of Toronto Raptors, Masai Ujiri has restated his commitment to developing the African youth through basketball as he leads a team of coaches to Dakar, Senegal for a four-day programme under his pet project Giant of Africa Camp.

Ujiri

Speaking before their departure at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos yesterday, the former NBA star said, “it was very fulfilling bringing the camp to Nigeria, particularly for the fact that girls were involved for the first time after doing same in Kenya.”
Ujiri said, “in terms of talent and passion, Nigeria ranks among the best in the world except that the country has come short in terms of coaching, facilities and funding,” aspects that have impeded the development of the game in the country.

Reviewing the Nigerian leg of the camp, Ujiri said it was very successful. “Generally, this Nigerian trip was very successful for us, added to the fact that we were in Maiduguri to see for ourselves what life is over there. Generally the standard of the camp, the zeal shown by the coaches, the kids and the passion shown were all tremendous.”

He said the Giant of Africa Camp has impacted variously on the youth as, apart from the basketball skills, the kids also learn life skills and other aspects of human development that will prepare them for the future.
Over 100 kids would be camped in Dakar for four days and would be trained by top coaches from the NBA and some local coaches.