Today's Edition
Kuumar Shyam (Abu Dhabi)
It's the All-Star basketball game for Under-14 boys and girls, with the two teams kitted out in America's colours of blue and red at the New York University campus.
Except that, when talent such as Youssef Ibrahim goes for a three-pointer or Hiba Nasr lays up for a two-pointer foul, the motley crowd of parents, teachers and support staff cheering on loudly are Abu Dhabi residents.
The occasion at Saadiyat Island was the final day of the 2025 Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League season which concluded this week, marking another significant milestone in youth basketball development in the UAE. "
The All-Star game is more about individual displays than a team effort, so I wanted to show them some of my skills," Youssef told Aletihad after a flashy, match-winning performance in the red jersey representing the west coast of United States.
In line with the world governing body, NBA's recognition of such efforts by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in organising the annual event, the finals featured appearances by former NBA champions Danny Green and Gary Payton, who engaged with the young athletes, offering inspiration and sharing their professional experiences.
From 90 teams last year, the programme has swelled to 122 teams across four leagues in its fourth season in the emirate – three in Abu Dhabi and one in Al Ain – providing a platform for 1,830 players.
The finals featured competitive match-ups, with teams showcasing the skills honed over the season while donning the branding of an NBA franchise. The pupils participated in development clinics and skills challenges.
The two leagues for girls were won by the Raha International School, Khalifa City (Dallas Mavericks) and ADQ (Golden State Warriors). In the boys' leagues, the winners represented the British International School (Milwaukee Bucks) and ADQ (Boston Celtics).
For those who could not make the finals, there was the All-Star game, modelled on how the NBA works in the US. Adding to the fanfare, celebrity YouTubers Harry Pinero and Darkest Man took to the sidelines as coaches.
The best of the girls and boys were pooled into the two colours with each set of boys and girls rotating for the four quarters of a normal game. Some incisive movement by Hiba saw the blue corner take a 6-2 lead before the reds came back into the game, going ahead at the end of the first quarter.
"The team just assembled and played the game straight without training, so it's natural there was no chemistry," Hiba said of her misfiring team. She barely had time to speak as she changed and took the court again for her school, Raha. This time she played a winning hand.
Earlier, it was a relentless charge by the red All-Stars and each time the blues came close, Youssef and his team would combine well, their height advantage and better fundamental skills giving them the edge. They could afford some showboating too, as they ran out winners with a 66-46 score.
In the final quarter action, Youssef went for steals and rebounds with such enthusiasm that the Grade 10 student of Liwa International School even fell and rolled over a couple of times.
"I wanted to show everyone all the different aspects of my game because it is such a wonderful opportunity to be here and play my best basketball. This is my second season in the league. The first year I did not do much, so I wanted to make the best of this chance and showcase my skills," said the pupil who enjoys his physics and maths classes.
Meanwhile, the number of children impacted by the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi programme are only adding up.
