News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The USA Basketball Youth Tournament, hosted in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), concluded successfully this past weekend at Raha International School, Khalifa City Campus. The event featured USA Basketball and NBA legends Alonzo Mourning and Steve Smith.
The tournament kicked off on Saturday, July 13, at Raha International School, preceding the USA Basketball Showcase held at Etihad Arena on July 15 and 17. The competition saw participation from nine teams comprising youths under 16 years of age, including six boys’ teams and three girls’ teams from local Abu Dhabi academies, clubs, and schools. In addition, three basketball development clinics were conducted throughout the tournament.
Mourning and Smith, in addition to attending the tournament, also took on roles as guest coaches during the basketball development clinics. They had the honor of presenting the championship trophies and medals to the winning teams. The results were as follows:
- Boys Champions: NBA Basketball School (Red)
- Boys Second Place: Jam Sports Academy (Black)
- Girls Champions: Champs Sports Club (Blue)
- Girls Second Place: Jam Sports Academy (Red)
Alonzo Mourning, a seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, won the 2006 NBA championship with the Miami Heat and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014. He currently serves as the Vice President of Player Programs and Development for the Miami Heat.
Steve Smith, an NBA All-Star and NBA All-Rookie First Team member, secured the 2003 NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs and was awarded the NBA Sportsmanship Award in 2002. Over his 14-year NBA career, Smith also played for the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, and the Portland Trail Blazers.
The USA Basketball Youth Tournament was a significant event, fostering the development of young basketball talent in Abu Dhabi and providing them with the opportunity to learn from and interact with NBA legends.
