If you have been a basketball enthusiast or a fan of National Basketball Association (NBA), a men’s professional basketball league in North America, you have an opportunity to get some tips from very talented players from the US.
A current player of NBA, widely considered to be the premier men’s professional basketball league in the world, is visiting Qatar along with his father and two brothers – all basketball players. The family with four former NBA players-turned-coaches will train the basketball enthusiasts for three days.
“QSports in partnership with Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) is going to organise first-ever Big Baller Brand (BBB) Camp in the Middle East. The camp will be held in Hamad bin Khalifa University on July 18 and 19 for kids and on 20 for adults,” Aya Kasab, Head of Business Development Unit at QSports, said.
She added: “We in collaboration with QBF are trying to promote basketball in particular, and sports in general in Qatar. The camp will see Lonzo Ball from New Orleans Pelicans as promoting the sport at the university court. The participants will work on their shooting, passing, ball handling and game-situation skills with Lonzo, his father Lavar, his brothers LaMelo and LiAngelo Ball, and four former NBA players now coaches. Interested participants above 18 years will have a chance to be selected for JBA World Tour team and become a professional basketball player. Junior Basketball Association (JBA) is also an American basketball league.
“BBB Camp would not be possible without the help of Qatar National Tourism Corporation, Decathlon and W Hotel.
For more information and registration, please visit: www.bbb.qsports.qa”
Miroslav Zlatkovic is from Serbia. He is a professional basketball coach and has been working with QSports as head of basketball programme.
Sharing further the details of the camp with Community, he said: “I am a FIBA, International Basketball Federation, licensed coach. I have been the coach for 20 years. I have been working with QSports for two and a half years. This camp is going to be the biggest project I am going to carry out with the company. We have been doing two leagues every year for amateur basketball players. We also run different camps and academies related to the sport.”
About the upcoming camp, Miroslav said: “This summer, we want to popularise basketball as much as possible in Qatar. We have been trying to reach out current NBA players. Big Baller Brand have been trying to promote basketball all around the world. We contacted them and invited them to Qatar as we have a mutual interest. They liked our idea and they agreed to come here.
“Lavar Ball is the CEO of Big Baller Brand, a sports company based in US. He is a former basketball player. He is a known media personality when it comes to sports in US. He is a proud father of three sons – all professional basketball players. Lonzo Ball, the eldest son of Lavar, is a NBA super star. He plays for New Orleans Pelicans. He was the second pick in 2017 draft by Los Angeles Lakers. He is also a former teammate of Lebron James, a basketball sensation and one of the best players of all times.
“LiAngelo Ball is the middle son of Lavar. He is a former UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) player. He is entering NBA summer league this season. LaMelo Ball, the youngest son of Lavar, is currently playing in Australia. He is first round draft pick for 2020-21 NBA season.”
He added: “In the camp, we will have kids from six to 17 and adults from 18 and above. The camp and the players will offer an opportunity for the participants to upgrade their basketball skills and to learn some new skills from them. There is no limit for the age or the level of skills. They will teach the participants about some basic skills, specific game situations, mental preparations, physical training, ball handling and some insight into the sport. I think some professional players in Qatar will also be interested in meeting the visiting players.”
Miroslav further said: “During the camp, all the participants will also be a part of the worldwide TV show Ball in the Family, which is aired on Facebook by BBB. The participants can become famous worldwide as the Facebook page has a huge following. You can become a better player and have your five minutes of fame.”
LiAngelo Ball
