Basketball Without Borders Grows NBA Pathway

Featured: Roman Siulepa
Photo: ShootNHoops - Joy Hooper

Young Australian NBA prospects represented the nation in the 13th edition of Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia, a global development program by the NBA and International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

The NBA and FIBA worked with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, to bring this year’s BWB to the Middle East.

80 of the top high-school-age prospects were selected for the program, to train under NBA players and coaches.

Having young Australian prospects as part of BWB highlights the flood of talent that is visible in the country, and is another opportunity as a pathway to the NBA.

A total of ten Australian Under-19 Men and Women were selected amongst the 80 chosen, including NBL1 rising star Roman Siulepa.

Siulepa is shooting at an 52 per cent from the field for the South West Metro Pirates in the NBL1 North Conference, averaging 8.5 points and 6.1 rebounds a game. 

See below Australian prospects:

Boys
Jacob Furphy
Charles Dimmock
Roman Siulepa
Emmett Adair
Maper Makur

Girls
Sophie Brennan
Sienna Harvey
Monique Bobongie
Sarah Portlock
Teyahna Bond

The Under 19 youth players participated in the global basketball development and community outreach program on June 2 – June 5 at the New York University Campus in Abi Dhabi.

The program has featured 350 NBA players, coaches and team personnel from 30 different teams as camp coaches and mentors for over 1,500 young athletes, from more than 100 countries and territories.

The Australian prospects competed with their peers and participated in encouraging social and positive change in the areas of education, health, and wellness.

A success story to come out of a BWB program is Australian NBA player Josh Giddey, a respected young star who was drafted to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021.

To learn more about Basketball Without Borders, click here.