Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Lebron Padua glanced a nervous look over his shoulder towards the tall visitor at the basketball court at the New York University Abu Dhabi campus on Saadiyat Island, as he made his way to the court during an All-Star Under-14 game.
Former two-time All-Star Baron Davis caught that look and encouragingly yelled out, "Show me what you got". Padua instinctively tried to go for a basket and failed.
"C'mon man, that was selfish [play]. But if you want to go for it, make it count at least," Davis called out.
The Global Philippines School student sheepishly acknowledged and tried to play on in the grand finale of the Jr. NBA school finals, now concluded after another year of the grassroots programme in conjunction with the official US governing body NBA (National Basketball Association).
Yet, the lesson on court could prove as valuable as any trophy for the youngster, whose first name offers a clue to the sport that dominates conversations in his household. The senior Padua was among the spectators as Davis and fellow former NBA All-Star Dwight Howard travelled to Abu Dhabi to motivate the children and celebrate the end of the season.
For Davis, the visit represented another chapter in a basketball journey that began on the courts of Los Angeles before taking him to the highest levels of the game.
The former point guard was selected third overall in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, went on to become a two-time NBA All-Star, earned All-NBA Third Team honours in 2004 and twice led the league in steals during a 13-year professional career. He later ventured into business, media and entertainment after retirement.
Watching hundreds of youngsters compete in Abu Dhabi left him convinced that basketball is building strong foundations in the UAE.
"This is my first time in Abu Dhabi. I was here earlier in the year and spent time in Dubai with my family," Davis told Aletihad. "I love the Emirates, love Abu Dhabi... the people are amazing.
"To be here this time, actually in the gym, seeing basketball and seeing all the wonderful work that the nation is doing for basketball and for these kids, it is great for the game."
The fifth season of the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League has been the largest since its launch in 2022. More than 2,500 boys and girls from 68 schools across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain took part across Under-12, U14 and U16 divisions, with 170 teams competing during the campaign.
The programme forms part of a wider partnership between the NBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, was present on the occasion and interacted with Davis, who believes the long-term impact could stretch far beyond producing elite players.
"I think there's always a future," he said. "Once you start to incubate and nurture kids in this sport, you're going to see a lot of incoming talent. You're going to see talent from here populate the world of basketball.
"Whether that's jobs, whether that's coaching or playing, there are so many opportunities in basketball. By nurturing the sport here and growing the game, you're going to see amazing talent on both sides."
His message to youngsters was equally clear: use basketball as a vehicle for personal growth like he branched out into different fields after his personal career. "Basketball is well-rounded. You want the discipline from basketball to translate into all aspects of your life, from the financial side to school. Basketball can take you around the world and give you so many opportunities.
"It's important to love the game and develop the skill set, but also the hard work and the ethic that can be applied to anything that you do."
For Padua and hundreds of others, the day offered more than a chance to compete. It provided a glimpse of where dedication, guidance and a growing basketball culture in Abu Dhabi might one day take them.
