Giants of Africa made its European debut at the Adidas x ALBA Next Up tournament in Berlin, taking its mission of female participation in African basketball onto a new stage. The organisation, founded in 2003, uses the sport to empower young people through court construction, camps, clinics, coaching programmes and community outreach.
Central to its work is a commitment that at least 50 per cent of participants across camps, clinics and outreach initiatives are female. Giants of Africa also runs coaching clinics for women across the continent, providing mentorship and practical training to develop coaches and community leaders.
Founded by Masai Ujiri, who started his basketball journey in Nigeria before becoming an NBA player, scout and executive, the organisation has visited 22 countries, reached more than 180,000 young people and unveiled 50 basketball courts in 16 African nations. Ujiri was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2013 and helped build the Toronto Raptors team that won the 2019 NBA championship.
The Berlin appearance reflects Giants of Africa's goal of creating more opportunities for young African women through basketball and giving them exposure to international competition.
