Officially launched in May 2011, the Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA Finals is a massive program that has grown to include 116 teams from 44 schools across all five regions of the Royal Bafokeng Nation and looks to shine a light on all things basketball development in Mzansi. The program has reached more than 100,000 people over the past 13 years through basketball development and youth engagement initiatives featuring a youth basketball league for boys and girls in primary and secondary schools, elite development camps, coaching clinics and basketball court refurbishments.
It also comprises of NBA-trained national and international level staff (nine players and two coaches who have represented South Africa at international events) who are tasked with overseeing and directing the various programs that are divided into a coach’s certification and development program; an after-school program; a scholastic 5-on-5 Jr. NBA League and tournament for boys and girls throughout 18 schools; and the building of infrastructure to support the program.
As part of the broader NBA and Royal Bafokeng Sports (RBS) partnership, 18 new and refurbished basketball courts were built across the five Royal Bafokeng regions. Initially for middle school and high school students, the program added primary school students in 2014.
In March 2016, Hollywood actor Kevin Hart visited the program and attended basketball clinics at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.
The Larry O’Brien Trophy, presented by NBA Legends Cedric Ceballos and Sam Perkins, featured at the fourth edition of the Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA Finals which took place in October 2014. This year’s installment is taking place on 30 September 2023 and we look forward to forming part of it as well as documenting the various exciting elements.
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