The first-ever Jr. NBA Showcase welcomed 40 youth basketball players worldwide.
Step into the epicenter of youth basketball excellence at the inaugural Jr. NBA Showcase. Presented by Nike, the showcase brought together 40 exceptional 13 and 14-year-old basketball players from 17 countries in an unforgettable week of skill development, fierce competition and leadership growth.
Held in conjunction with the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2023 and NBA 2K24 Summer League in Las Vegas, the global youth basketball event served as a platform for promising young athletes to shine on an international stage.
From July 12 to 16, Jr. NBA Showcase participants converged at the home of WNBA All-Star and NBA Summer League, where they embarked on a transformative journey. This immersive experience offered an all-encompassing program designed not only to refine their basketball prowess but also to foster crucial life skills and develop invaluable leadership qualities.
The young athletes also demonstrated their commitment to community outreach, leaving an indelible impact on aspiring players in Las Vegas through a youth basketball clinic at the Doral Academy and volunteering for the Social Responsibility Packing Project at the Three Square™ Food Bank. They received guidance in the experience from NBA and WNBA players, including Dalen Terry and Brittney Griner, among others.
Indiana Pacer and the first Jr. NBA Alum to get drafted to the NBA, Jarace Walker, shared some valuable advice with participants. “Just enjoy it. I know you guys are in the moment, but it goes by quick. Just enjoy the ride,” he encouraged. “It’s a long journey of ups and downs; just stay true to yourself.”
This extraordinary mentorship became a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of basketball talent, paving their path to success both within and beyond the realm of sports.
Phil Handy, assistant coach of the Los Angeles Lakers echoes this sentiment: “I love being on the floor with young athletes helping you guys get better. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Get out of your comfort zone.”
As a part of the Jr. NBA Showcase experience, these remarkable young players had the honor of attending select events and games during the AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend and NBA 2K24 Summer League. They played exhibition games at Cox Pavilion and competed in a skills challenge on the WNBA All-Star court. The unique opportunity fueled the participants’ drive to pursue greatness in their basketball journeys.
The Jr. NBA Showcase stands as a testament to the NBA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the youth basketball experience at every level of the game. The league continues to cultivate talent as part of the Jr. NBA’s numerous endeavors to foster the growth of the sport on a global scale.
This commitment resonates deeply, affirming the NBA’s belief in empowering athletes and shaping the future of basketball. The indomitable spirit exhibited by these young players during the Jr. NBA Showcase will undoubtedly serve as an enduring source of inspiration, propelling them to new heights in their basketball journeys.
