Giants of Africa, the non-profit founded by Masai Ujiri, made its first European appearance at the adidas x ALBA Next Up Women's Basketball Tournament in Berlin, held from 3 to 6 September. Eight teams took part, including sides from Australia, Hungary, Indonesia, Spain, Germany, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
A Giants of Africa delegation of eight young women from Ethiopia, Gabon, Nigeria, Senegal and Tanzania, all alumni of the Giants of Africa Festival, competed as one team. The squad was led by coach Melissa Diawakana from the Democratic Republic of Congo and assistant coach Adetokunbo Ijomah of Nigeria, with support from coach Geraldine Robert of Gabon and additional staff. For many of the participants, the trip was their first time outside Africa.
The group spent three days playing group-stage matches before cross games and an awards ceremony closed the event. They also attended games at the ongoing FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, also staged in Berlin, gaining exposure to top-level competition.
The tournament sits within Giants of Africa's Women’s Empowerment Programme, which guarantees at least 50 percent female participation in the organisation's camps, clinics and outreach events.
