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The Print
04-08-2025
- Sport
- The Print
We've beaten some top teams in past, we must reach our full potential: India basketball coach
'I'm not real big on predicting finishes. All I want to do is reach our full potential. We've beaten some teams in the past that people said we shouldn't, and we're in that same spot again,' said Fleming ahead of the continental tournament beginning on Tuesday. India, currently ranked 15th in Asia, is placed in Group C along with 16-time gold medallists China (6th), 2022 semi-finalists Jordan (8th) and hosts Saudi Arabia (10th) in the FIBA Asia Cup beginning on Tuesday. New Delhi, Aug 4 (PTI) India might be the underdogs in Asian basketball but head coach Scott Fleming exuded confidence that this young team has the potential to punch above its weight, having beaten some big sides in recent outings. 'If we can get past the first round, then we'll set some higher goals. We're almost always the underdog, but we've beaten a couple of higher-ranked teams recently, and that's given us some confidence,' he said in an interaction organised by Fancode, which will stream the tournament. 'We know we're the lowest-ranked team in our pool, but that's the great challenge. We're here to win every game. My job is to get them to their full potential — then we'll let the score speak for itself.' One of the most talented players in the Indian team, Pranav Prince said a top-4 finish will be a realistic goal. 'We've been the underdogs for years now, and we're trying to overcome that,' he said. 'Realistically, we're here to win — that's the mindset. We treat every game equally and we've been preparing for this for almost a year. We're not here to hope or pray for anything. We're here to prove we belong. 'Top four or five is a realistic aim, but the goal is always to win the whole thing. We just have to work hard, play our best, and earn it — nothing's going to come from above.' On strategy, Fleming stressed the importance of adapting to opponents without losing identity. 'We have to be true to our style, but every game demands adjustments. It's not cookie-cutter basketball. We study film, prepare scouting reports, involve our staff and players — we can't be surprised by anything our opponents do,' he said. Reflecting on the selection process, Fleming said his decisions were based purely on merit and form. 'Well, the one thing you can be sure of is that I never make any moves from a political standpoint or who's from what state or whatever,' he said. 'I'm just trying to put the 12 on the floor that give us the best chance to win. Some of these players I've worked with earlier at the NBA Academy, and they've continued to improve.' He said he has retained a few veterans like Palpreet (Palpreet Singh Brar) and Muin (Muin Bek Hafeez) for their leadership, while others like Gurbaaz (Kanwar Gurbaaz Singh Sandhu) and Sekhon (Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon) have 'really bought into our system'. 'Selection is never fixed — it's based on current form, fit, and performance in camps. Just because a player isn't on this roster doesn't mean he won't be on the next. 'There are talented players who narrowly missed out, and I expect some of them to be part of the national team in the near future.' On the team's long-term potential, Fleming said the best is yet to come. 'We're just scratching the surface. Most of our top players are in their early 20s, and players usually hit their peak in their late 20s or early 30s. So while we're here to win now, this group has the potential to be one of the best teams in Asia within three or four years or less. 'Even though they're young, many have played big games — in the NBA Academy, in Hungary, in the U.S. — so this isn't all new to them. And we've got experienced players too. We've won three games in the last six months and we're building something strong.' Asked if he would have wanted more exposure games ahead of the event, Fleming said: 'Yes, we need as many exposure games as we can. Other teams are playing 10–15 games before the tournament. We had a good trip to Qatar earlier this year, but a few other matches didn't work out. That's something we need to improve going forward.' On the upcoming professional league in India, both the coach and player were optimistic. 'The pro league is going to be a really big thing for India — not just financially, but for the future of the sport,' Pranav said. 'Earlier, we stayed in shape only for camps or nationals, and then did nothing for six-seven months. But with a league, we'll have year-round motivation. It's been a dream for players like us to turn professional.' Fleming echoed the sentiment. 'I've been a proponent of a league since 2012. This time, BFI, ACG, everyone seems on the same page — and that's huge. Young boys and girls will finally have a pathway, Indian heroes to look up to, and a real chance to earn a living from the game.' PTI ATK PDS PDS This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Mouhamed Camara Commits To Louisville, Ready To Build On NBA Academy Africa Alumni's Impact
KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 20: Mouhamed Camara #15 of Made By Ball Basketball poses for a portrait during ... More the Nile Conference group media day on May 20, 2025 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images) The University of Louisville has landed a new international commit whose journey embodies more than just talent, it represents the rising promise of Africa's basketball ecosystem. Mouhamed Camara's commitment is not only a personal milestone but also a continuation of the strong legacy forged by NBA Academy Africa alumni in recent years. Camara's development was shaped over three pivotal years at SEED Academy, where he built the mindset and foundation necessary for elite-level basketball. His breakout came in 2023 at the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp, where he earned Defensive MVP honours, a performance that secured him a coveted spot at NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, marking a crucial turning point in his growth. Since then, Camara has continued to hone his skills on major stages, participating in the 2024 NBA Academy Winter Tour, the 2025 NBA Academy Northeast Tour, and the 2024 NBA Academy Games. His outstanding play culminated in being named MVP of the 2024 NBA Academy Showcase, cementing his status as a high-potential forward. As he now prepares for the next step, moving to the U.S. for college, Camara's journey comes full circle. After competing with South Africa's MBB in the Basketball Africa League's (BAL) recent Nile Conference, he returns to South Africa for the BAL Showcase, the country where he first captured international attention at BWB Africa. Each chapter of his development has shaped not only the player but also the person he is becoming. In an interview with Camara shared more about his time under Sam Vincent, his commitment to Louisville, learning from NBA Academy Alumni as well as his time at the NBA Academy. KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 20: Head Coach Sam Vincent of Made By Ball Basketball celebrates after the game ... More against Nairobi City Thunder during the Nile Conference group play on May 20, 2025 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE via Getty Images) This season in The BAL gave Camara the chance to be coached by Sam Vincent, a former NBA champion. Vincent's leadership added a crucial element to the countless hours of training provided by the Academy coaches over the years. Under his guidance, Camara was able to apply those lessons in a competitive, high-stakes environment. Even when faced with early losses, he developed new levels of focus and professionalism. "Coach Sam just wanted to win," Camara stated."He was always thinking about winning. That's something I took from him." Playing with MBB was not just another stop before college; it reinforced everything he had worked on at the Academy."It was nothing different," Camara explained regarding his adjustment to BAL competition. "At the [NBA] Committing to the University of Louisville was a decision rooted in trust and mutual belief. "Louisville is a great program," Camara said. "Coach Pat Kelsey is different in the way he thinks, the way he talks to me, and just the confidence he has in me. It's a winning team." He becomes only the second NBA Academy Africa prospect to commit to Louisville, following former Cardinals center Emmanuel Okorafor. Camara understands that the road ahead will be challenging, but he is ready. In the recent Nile Conference, he recorded 2 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block in just 9 minutes off the bench against Al Ahli Tripoli. This brief yet impactful performance showcased his ability to contribute quickly. KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 20: Teafale Lenard Jr. #6 of Made by Basketball looks on during the game ... More against the Nairobi City Thunder during the Nile Conference Group on May 20, 2025 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images) Throughout his journey, Camara has learned alongside elite peers. He played with Obadiah Noel, now with APR, in 2023 and more recently with Teafale Lenard Jr. during MBB's 2024 BAL campaign, both of whom have G League experience. Competing with and against such talent elevated his own standards. 'I learned from their mentality, that they compete every day,' Camara said. 'They want to beat everybody.' The NBA Academy has helped refine Camara's offensive skills, decision-making, shooting, passing, and ball control, and has taught him how to play within a system. 'The difference between you and the kid outside is how you approach the game,' he explained. 'Because in the Academy, they teach you how to play.' Camara draws inspiration from NBA Academy alumni like Ulrich Chomche and Khaman Maluach, who exemplified a strong work ethic by dedicating countless hours to skill development. Chomche made history in the 2024 NBA Draft as the first NBA Academy Africa prospect drafted, going 57th overall to the Memphis Grizzlies before being traded to the Toronto Raptors. He currently holds a two-way contract, averaging 8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists with Raptors 905. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 29: Khaman Maluach #9 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Alabama ... More Crimson Tide during the first half in the East Regional Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Prudential Center on March 29, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by) Meanwhile, Maluach is set to enter the 2025 NBA Draft as a top rim protector after a stellar freshman season at Duke, where he averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and shot 71.2% from the field in 21.3 minutes per game. 'They were working harder every day, using every opportunity,' Camara said, reflecting on his observations of players like Chomche and Maluach. 'They always wanted to go to the gym, and I saw them make a lot of progress.' Camara has also benefited from his experiences with Senegal's senior national team, learning from veterans like Babacar Sané and Jean-Jacques Boissy. 'They support me in everything. They're here for me,' he said, reflecting on how his national team experiences have contributed to his personal growth. With the BAL Showcase marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, Camara carries a unique blend of African tenacity, global exposure, and refined fundamentals. His decision to attend Louisville not only signals his readiness but also serves as an affirmation of the pathways being created across Africa for young athletes. 'Keep all my confidence up. Never lose my confidence. Beat everybody,' he stated, articulating his approach moving forward. Mouhamed Camara's commitment symbolises the success of an entire ecosystem. With Louisville in his sights, the journey that began in Senegal takes a giant leap forward, rooted in the lessons he's learned, the connections he's built, and the promise of an entire continent carried on his shoulders.
New York Times
04-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Florida, Duke players went from NBA Academy ‘brotherhood' to Final Four
SAN ANTONIO — Alex Condon wants to make one thing very clear. Yes, the Florida big man is thrilled to see so many other NBA Academy alums here at the Final Four, where his top-seeded Gators meet top seed Auburn in Saturday's first semifinal before fellow No. 1 seeds Duke and Houston meet in the second semifinal. Advertisement It's cool to see 'the brotherhood' represented on college basketball's biggest stage, with two NBA Academy guys from Florida (Condon and Rueben Chinyelu) and two from Duke (Tyrese Proctor and Khaman Maluach). But that doesn't mean Condon, who averages 9.2 points and 7.0 rebounds for the Gators, is crossing his fingers for some sort of on-court NBA Academy reunion in the title game. 'I am not,' the Australian said emphatically, 'rooting for Duke.' Noted. At every level of basketball, international stars are becoming more common and more dominant. In the NBA this season, there were a record-tying 125 international players on opening night rosters. Three of the last six MVPs have been from other countries (Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Cameroon; Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and Serbia; Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Greece and Nigeria). They're everywhere in the college game, evidenced by this Final Four, even though visa rules severely limit their name, image and likeness opportunities. Revenue sharing is expected to change that, meaning international athletes could take direct payment from schools without issue, likely leading to a flood of even more international players in college hoops. The NBA Academy could have a direct hand in bringing more guys to the States. Launched in 2016 to identify and develop international talent, the academy has three locations: Australia (home to the best young players around the world), Mexico (featuring prospects from Central/South America and Canada) and Senegal (for top prospects from around Africa). The Mexico and Australia academies are shutting down in late June, though a new global center is expected to open sometime in the coming years. The academies give young, promising players access to experienced college and pro coaches who help them refine their skills on and off the floor. In some cases, they introduce skills, too, such as how to do laundry. Advertisement On the court, players are often selected for teams that travel to international tournaments and exhibitions, exposing them to college and NBA scouts. Brendan McKillop, who runs global basketball operations at the NBA, said the international arm of the NBA has a simple and straightforward purpose. 'Our grassroots programs cast a really wide net,' McKillop said, 'and our goal is to put a basketball in the hands of as many young players as possible.' Five years ago, one of those players was Condon, then a 15-year-old Australian rules football star from Perth. Now 20, Condon remembers playing against Chinyelu, a Nigerian who joined the NBA Africa Academy also at age 15. They got to know each other during some NBA Academy showcase games in Las Vegas. Chinyelu made an instant impression. 'He's a physical guy, he came in and gave me a few elbows straight away,' Condon said, eyeing UF teammate Chinyelu. 'He wasn't scared of anything.' Chinyelu smiled big and said he doesn't recall that part. What he remembers is beating Condon's team — which Condon quickly reminded him happened when Condon wasn't playing. Which means, of course, the win doesn't really count. That detail, Chinyelu said, has been lost to time. He only remembers the victory. Chinyelu came to Florida by way of Washington State, one of seven transfers on the Gators' roster and a key part of UF's depth. Condon arrived straight from Australia two summers ago, then helped recruit Chinyelu to Gainesville when he entered the portal last spring. 'Anyone from the Academy is part of the brotherhood, so when he came on his visit, we had that connection from the start,' Condon said. 'It's been so good to see him develop this year, and to be at Florida playing together, it's pretty cool.' McKillop and Greg Collucci, who runs NBA elite basketball collegiate recruiting and alumni relations, weren't surprised to hear about Condon's attitude about Chinyelu. But they were proud. 'Our guys taking care of each other,' McKillop said, 'that's what it's all about.' Maluach, of South Sudan and one of three likely lottery picks from Duke in the upcoming NBA Draft, played with Chinyelu in Senegal and has enjoyed watching his success from afar. Maluach said the Academy was huge in helping him prepare for college. And not just because he got experience playing in marquee events such as Basketball Africa League games. Advertisement 'You had to stay alone at a very young age,' said Maluach, who averages 8.7 points and 6.8 rebounds and whose 7-foot-5 wingspan alters nearly every shot around the rim. 'It helps a lot to be there with guys in the same situation. We form a strong bond and know that everybody has got your back. The NBA Academy helped me know everything I should do when I'm alone: How to do my laundry, what I should eat.' He laughed, thinking about the laundry, clarifying that they weren't totally on their own at the Academy. 'They washed our jerseys for us,' he said. They also introduced him to a game he's fallen hard for even though he said the first time he stepped on a basketball court, he didn't know much, if anything. 'I remember just being confused,' he said. 'NBA Academy shaped my foundation of basketball.' The Academy organization, each of the alums stressed, is critical not just to basketball skill development but also to general life skills. McKillop said NBA executives can envision a future when international players make up 50 percent of the league. But the Academies don't solely exist to unearth All-Stars. 'Kids grow up and see that basketball is an avenue to success and can change their life where maybe, historically, it hasn't been,' McKillop said. That it can open doors to higher education is a huge selling point to families, too. One of Duke's other future lottery picks, Proctor, overlapped with Condon at the Australian academy and is familiar with every other academy alum here in San Antonio. 'It's a shame the global (academy) is shutting down back home. I think just the work and time and effort they put in to just showcase talent from around the world is really big for guys overseas,' said Proctor, the Blue Devils' third-leading scorer at 12.2 points per game who shoots 41.2 percent from 3. 'I mean, you're really just going to another college, but in high school. I think just the time management and all the tiny details they try to emphasize really helps us at the next level.' Advertisement For now, that level is the Final Four, though each of the alums is expected to be on NBA rosters sooner rather than later. In the meantime, they're trying to soak up the college experience. Some families made the long trip to San Antonio: The Proctors managed to get over from Perth earlier than expected and saw Duke cut down nets in Newark, N.J. Condon's family will be in attendance, too. Maluach's older sister is here and ran into Collucci, the NBA alum coordinator, on the River Walk early Thursday. It was a warm reunion, Collucci said, a great reminder of how fun it is to 'watch these guys go from kids to full-size men, living their dreams and bringing joy to their families.' Players at championship events are often pulled a million different directions, juggling family time, media hoopla and studying scouting reports for the actual game. Asked how good his time management is now compared with when he left home at 15, Proctor grinned. 'Before? Psssh. Not very good,' he said. 'But after, a lot better.' He has his NBA Academy to thank for that, too. (Photo of Alex Karaban and Alex Condon: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
