By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
The 22nd Basketball Without Borders Europe camp, held in Manchester from August 12 to 15, marked the first time the NBA and FIBA hosted the program in the United Kingdom.
It brought together some of the most talented prospects from around the world, giving them a chance to work with current NBA players like Ivica Zubac and Kevin Huerter, five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher, and decorated center and 2011 NBA champion Tyson Chandler.
Former NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2012), Team USA gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, and 2010 FIBA World Cup in Turkey, Chandler shared his knowledge with the youngsters and spoke to Eurohoops about the camp.
“It always amazes me, the skill level of the youngsters across the globe. So being able to be here and see the players and the talent, I was surprised. It’s such a joy for me, honestly, to be able to share my knowledge with the youngsters because I just know what it will do. I know what it did for me. So it’s been fun. So it’s a great way to see where you are, to get inspired. There’s incredible current talent in the NBA this year, former talent, coaches, referees. BWB did an excellent job putting this together and making sure that it wasn’t just a camp, but that we’re really going to be instilling and sparking some things in this next generation. It’s been such a great experience,” Chandler said.
He emphasized the importance of camps like BWB for young players’ development:
“It’s important for the future of basketball and it’s important for every youngster that has the opportunity to experience this. Camps and things like this are where you’re able to sharpen your tools. It’s where you learn so much, because there’s so much thrown at you in such a short period of time. You’re able to go back to wherever you play and advance your game. I think you always go back a different player, because there’s a level of confidence there, no matter where you are in the pecking order.”
Chandler believes these camps also help players grow off the court:
“Because in these camps, you build relationships. These same young players that they’re going against now, they’re going to be going against for the rest of their lives. So they’re going to build bonds that are unbreakable. I’m halfway across the world now from where I’m from, and I know people. I meet people. It’s like meeting long-lost family. It’s just a warm feeling. It’s your basketball family. There are so many benefits of the game of basketball — from discipline to being selfless, you know, all of these things. If you play sports, then you understand hard work, dedication, the process of trying to get to your goals. So I think it’s an incredible thing, and it’s going to help. These camps are going to help kids not only in their basketball skills, but honestly in their day-to-day lives as they continue their journeys.”
That international flavor, always on display at BWB, has been shaping the NBA in recent years, and Chandler sees it as vital for the league’s future:
“I love it. The game is global, becoming more global. From different regions, you see a different expression of the game. You know, I look at the game as an art form, and you have different artists that will paint the picture in a different way. We could look at the same thing. If I’m from a certain area, if I had certain experiences, I would see it a certain way, and I would project it a certain way. And so I think that looks different across the globe. And so I love seeing different athletes, artists, you know, paint their pictures in different ways. And I think it’s incredible for our game because it’s just like anything — whether it’s any form of art, you love to see different expressions.
So now, as the international game is growing and we’re getting more and more players in our league who are going to continue to come from around the world, I think it just expands the game. Not only that, it’s sparking inspiration around the world. And basketball is much bigger than basketball, you know. Basketball is what brings people together. Basketball, for me, changed my life in all the beautiful ways, and it’s just a gift that keeps giving.”
Seven of the last NBA MVPs have been internationals, with Giannis Antetokounmpo winning twice, Nikola Jokic three times, and Luka Doncic emerging as a strong candidate to join them. The European trio has taken the League by storm, proving that international impact has never been greater.
“They’re incredible for our game. They are brilliant to watch; all their games are beautiful and different. And I love what it’s doing for the competition of the game. Before, if I ran off the top 10 or top 15, it was going to be American-led. Now, you run off that top 10, top 15, and it’s a lot of internationals in there. And that’s a beautiful thing for the game because it’s helping evolve the game. Jokic plays the game differently than anybody we’ve ever seen. Luka plays the game differently than anybody we’ve ever seen. It’s these players that now are going to give American players something to look at. The game continues to evolve, and there’s always some artist from somewhere. That’s why I think the game needs to be global, because who knows where that artist, that athlete, that inspires the next generation — that revolutionizes the game — comes from. Because when you think it can’t be, we keep thinking, ‘Man, there’s more to this game.’ So I’m interested to see where the game continues to go. I’m going to continue to play my part. I love what I’m seeing for the future of the league.”
After his playing days, Chandler turned to coaching and, since 2021, has worked as a development coach for the Dallas Mavericks, working closely with Luka Doncic.
“Luka was one of the best players I’ve ever seen on the court and in practice. Of course, we all see what Luka does in the game, but I’m speaking about practice, because it’s very difficult to impress your peers. Luka does things that I’ve never seen before. That’s difficult. I’ve been around the game for a long time, and there are very few special players that will show you some things that you’ve never seen before. And Luka was one of those players. I would always call him Luka Magic because he reminded me of a European version of Magic Johnson. This new age, Luka is his own player, but Magic was the older generation of somebody with a smile that was the killer. They’d come out there and destroy you, win games, but with a big smile. He’s just such a joy to watch, and I love watching him. Nothing but great things to say about Luka.”
Even though the blockbuster trade that sent Luka to Los Angeles stunned him, Chandler believes it will work out for all involved:
“I was just as surprised as the rest of the world with the trade. I think it will end up working out for both sides, you know, in the long run. But I was just surprised, clearly.”
With EuroBasket approaching, Chandler also reflected on the previous summer and the Paris Olympics, where Team USA won gold but was inches away from losing the semifinal to Serbia and Jokic in what many consider one of the best international games ever.
“I can’t even say it’s closer — they’re there. They were there when I was playing. I think Argentina kind of proved that years ago with Nocioni and, you know, that whole crew. Since Barcelona, there’s been a spark in the hearts and minds of young athletes to start gearing towards basketball, and it has been steady growth. And I just feel like now it’s a toss-up. Of course, I’m Team USA. So I’m always going to be cheering for Team USA, but even when I played for Team USA, I knew we could get beat tonight, because these guys are really good. And that was when we had the best players in the world on our team. We can’t necessarily say that anymore. I think Jokic is probably the best player in the world. So we no longer have that. Now we have to be the best team. I’m looking forward to when international competition kicks back up because it’s just going to be great basketball,” Tyson Chandler concluded, speaking to Eurohoops.