
Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League highlights basketball talent in the emirate during 4th season
11 May 2025 15:10
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The fourth season of the Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League, launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the National Basketball Association (NBA), wrapped up with a finals event at NYU Abu Dhabi. The event also featured special appearances by NBA Legends Danny Green and Gary Payton.During the closing ceremony, Green and Payton presented awards to the champions of the fourth annual Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League, including the Raha International School Khalifa City Campus (Dallas Mavericks), the British International School (Milwaukee Bucks), ADQ (Golden State Warriors) and the ADQ (Boston Celtics).Associate Vice President Global Partnerships, NBA Europe & Middle East, David Watts, were also present at the event.This season saw the Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League expand to four leagues and 122 teams, with 1,830 players from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain participating.The programme is part of a multi-year partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, which has included six preseason NBA games hosted in Abu Dhabi since 2022.
The Jr NBA is the NBA's global youth basketball programme for boys and girls, focused on teaching fundamental skills and core values of the game including teamwork, respect, determination, and community at the grassroots level. The Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League aims to promote these values and inspire youth to lead an active and healthy lifestyle through participation in sport.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Sport360
an hour ago
- Sport360
Calling all sports fans: Eight must-see sporting events in Abu Dhabi this year
From thrilling F1 championship finales to world-class basketball and combat sports, Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as a leading global sports hub. With world-class venues, record-breaking crowds and a year-round calendar of elite events, the emirate continues to raise the bar for sports fans across the globe. There's never been a better time to experience sport in the UAE capital, so here's a look at some of the biggest sporting events you won't want to miss in 2025 – all available to book, explore and learn more via Abu Dhabi Calendar . UFC Fight Night July 26 | Etihad Arena, Yas Island Abu Dhabi has , and this year's Fight Night promises another stacked card of global MMA talent. Fans can expect thrilling finishes, breakout performances, and the signature electric atmosphere of Yas Island. NBA Abu Dhabi Games October 2-4 | Etihad Arena, Yas Island The NBA returns to the capital for another electrifying showdown at Etihad Arena. Expect sold-out crowds, star-studded line-ups, and courtside action as two top-tier teams go head-to-head in the Middle East's premier basketball showcase. UFC 308 October 25 | Etihad Arena, Yas Island Another thrilling Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is set for the UAE capital, with a championship bout and full roster set to be announced. Stay tuned for announcements nearer the time, but it's sure to be another electirifying night of elite MMA action. Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship November 6-9 | Yas Links Abu Dhabi Part of the prestigiousthis golf tournament attracts the sport's biggest names for four days of fierce competition at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. With dramatic fairways and picturesque greens, it's the perfect blend of skill and spectacle. Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship November 6-16 | Mubadala Arena Hosted at the state-of-the-art Mubadala Arena, this flagship event draws the world's top Jiu-Jitsu athletes. With thousands of competitors and a global audience, it's a celebration of discipline, strategy, and strength. Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix December 4-7 | Yas Marina Circuit The season finale of the F1 calendar returns to Yas Marina Circuit, where championship dreams are made (or broken). From the roar of the engines to the glamour of the after-race concerts, it's a bucket-list experience for motorsport fans. ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon December 13 | Abu Dhabi City Thousands will take to the streets of Abu Dhabi for the annual marathon, with distances for elite runners and casual joggers alike. The route showcases the capital's scenic landmarks, creating a race that's as beautiful as it is competitive. World Tennis League December 19-22 | Etihad Arena, Yas Island Where music meets match point. The World Tennis League returns with a star-studded roster of tennis legends and live performances from global artists, creating one of the most entertaining events on the calendar. Stay up to date and book your tickets via Abu Dhabi Calendar.


Khaleej Times
8 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
NBA: Haliburton vows to improve after Thunder defense stifles Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton vowed to improve his first-half scoring struggles on Sunday after the Indiana Pacers stumbled to a series-leveling defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Haliburton has repeatedly rescued the Pacers throughout this year's playoff campaign with a series of late clutch baskets, including a last-second winner in game one of the Finals on Thursday. But in the first halves of both games one and two, Haliburton has struggled to make an impact. After scoring just six points in the first half of game one, Haliburton bagged a paltry three points in the first two quarters of Sunday's 123-107 loss in Oklahoma City. "I think I've had two really poor first halves," Haliburton admitted. "I just have to figure out how to be better earlier in games." Haliburton eventually finished with 17 points on Sunday, but coughed up five turnovers in the face of a suffocating Thunder defensive effort. "Kudos to them," Haliburton said. "They are a great defensive team but (I'll) watch the film and see where I can get better." Despite the loss, Haliburton said the Pacers would take heart from managing to split the opening two games on the road as the series heads back to Indianapolis for game three on Wednesday. "It's still a race, first to four," Haliburton said. "We are going to our home court tied 1-1, and we love playing at home. So just see where we can get better, and yeah, take it a day at a time." Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle meanwhile brushed off an invitation to dwell on Haliburton's struggles in the early part of games, stressing that the Pacers had collective responsibility for scoring. "There's a lot more to the game than just scoring," Carlisle said. "So everybody's got to do more. It starts with the best players. "So people shouldn't just look at (Haliburton's) points and assists and judge how he played, or judge how any of our guys played just on that. "That's just not -- that's not how our team is built. We are an ecosystem that has to function together, and stats -- we've got to score enough points to win the game but who gets them and how they get them, not important."


Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
Thunder thrash Wolves in Game 5, storm into NBA Finals
Even before the basket went in, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spread his arms wide to his side in celebration. Cason Wallace left his right arm high in the air, just waiting for the ball to drop through the basket. Soon enough, inevitably, it did. Wallace's corner 3-pointer at the buzzer was the exclamation point on a dominant first quarter for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who rode the hot start to a 124-94 home win that ended the Western Conference finals in Game 5 on Wednesday. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 34 points, eight assists and seven rebounds as the Thunder closed out the best-of-seven series. "I didn't want to go back to Minnesota travel-wise and I wanted the fans to enjoy the moment with us," Gilgeous-Alexander said. The Thunder are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012 and the fifth time in franchise history. The first three appearances came when the club was based in Seattle. Oklahoma City will host Game 1 of the Finals against either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks on June 5. "Happy for this moment, but this isn't our goal," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "This isn't the end of our road." The Wednesday outcome was evident early, as the Thunder buried the Timberwolves under the weight of a stifling defense and playmaking by Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Oklahoma City put the game away quickly, leading by 17 after the first quarter and 33 at halftime. The Timberwolves saw their season end in the Western Conference finals for the second consecutive year. "I'm going to work my socks off this summer," Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said. "Nobody's going to work harder than me this summer, I'll tell you that much." Gilgeous-Alexander dished out five of his assists in the opening quarter as he again showed why he was selected the NBA's Most Valuable Player. After the Timberwolves scored the game's first hoop, Gilgeous-Alexander had a hand in all five Oklahoma City baskets during an 11-0 run that started the Thunder's march toward the blowout. In that stretch, Gilgeous-Alexander had four assists -- three on Holmgren buckets -- and drained a finger roll to start the separation. On Monday, the Timberwolves started Game 4 red hot from the field but ultimately fell 128-126. On Wednesday, Minnesota struggled on offense from the start, going just 1-for-11 from the field over the first five minutes. Gilgeous-Alexander outscored Minnesota in the first quarter 12-9 and scored or assisted on 24 of the Thunder's 26 first-quarter points. Minnesota had more turnovers in the first half (14) than it did field goals (12). The Timberwolves finished with 21 turnovers. Holmgren amassed 22 points and seven rebounds while Williams had 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists. "These guys really make me feel like I'm a kid playing AAU basketball, like I'm 15 years old again," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "It's just fun. That's what makes us really good. We have so much fun being out there together." Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 24 points while Edwards scored 19 on 7-of-18 shooting. "They dominated the game from the tip," Edwards said. "Can't do nothing but tip my hat to those guys. They came ready."