NBA Academy introduces development program for international teen cagebelles
MANILA, Philippines — The NBA Academy is looking for top female prospects outside of the US to join its newly launched virtual development program set to tip off in July.
To be held as part of the NBA Academy Women's Program, the virtual camp will be open to international cagebelles — including Filipinos — aged 14 to 17 years old.
A program that has sent 25 participants to US NCAA Division I schools, the project will connect chosen prospects with their peers around the world and enable them to take part in basketball and life skills development programming under the guidance of current and former WNBA players, as well as the NBA Academy staff.
As the program runs from July to August, participants will receive weekly virtual basketball lessons, instructions, and challenges from WNBA mentors.
Among the lessons will be a variety of shooting, ball handling, and conditioning drills to promote holistic development.
Top performing athletes during the program's run will be considered for future in-person basketball development camps and showcases.
Meanwhile, weekly sessions centered on leadership development, nutrition, goal setting, personal branding, mental health and wellness, among others, will be part of the life skills programming side of the program.
"The NBA Academy Women's Virtual Program will continue our mission of helping young women around the world develop as people and players," said NBA Academy Women's Program Global Technical Director and 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Jennifer Azzi.
"International players are making a significant impact at all levels of the women's game, and this program will help top international prospects connect with their peers, learn directly from WNBA players and continue their development." she continued.
Since its inception in 2018, the program has since helped one international prospect make it to the WNBA with China's Han Xu drafted by the New York Liberty in 2019.
Interested Filipina basketball talents can take part in the program, with any parent or legal guardian submitting an application in behalf of the player via a HomeCourt profile, or as outlined in the NBA Academy website.
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