By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA, FIBA, and the Turkish Basketball Federation host the Basketball Without Borders Next Up camp from August 26–29 in Istanbul, bringing together 80 top international high school prospects to train under prominent NBA and FIBA coaches and players.
More details were announced on Wednesday.
Per the press release: “The National Basketball Association (NBA), the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) today announced that the inaugural Men’s Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Next Up camp will be held Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Saturday, Aug. 29 at Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi in Istanbul, Türkiye, marking the debut of the BWB program’s new format and the third time BWB will be held in Istanbul after BWB Europe was held there in 2002 and 2008.
Men’s BWB Next Up 2026 will bring together 80 of the top male, high-school-age prospects from around the world to participate in athletic testing, movement efficiency, skill development stations, 3-on-3 competitions, life-skills seminars, and 5-on-5 games under the guidance of current and former NBA and FIBA players and coaches, including Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, NBA legend and former Yugoslavia Men’s National Team member Vlade Divac, former NBA and Italian Men’s National Team player Danilo Gallinari, 2021 NBA champion Brook Lopez (LA Clippers), 2021 NBA champion and three-time NBA All-Star Khris Middleton (Washington Wizards) and 2023-24 Kia NBA All-Defensive Second Team member Jalen Suggs (Orlando Magic). The roster of campers and additional coaches will be announced prior to the camp.
In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the BWB – the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program – the NBA and FIBA previously announced the launch of BWB Next Up – two annual camps for the top 80 male prospects and top 80 female prospects from outside the U.S. from which the top-performing players will be selected to participate in BWB All-Star camps at the following NBA and AT&T WNBA All-Star. The inaugural Women’s BWB Next Up will take place in fall 2026.
“As Basketball Without Borders celebrates its 25th anniversary, the launch of BWB Next Up marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to developing the next generation of basketball talent,” said NBA Managing Director, Europe & Middle East George Aivazoglou. “Türkiye has long been one of Europe’s leading basketball markets with a rich tradition, passionate fans and a proven track record of producing elite players. Bringing BWB Next Up to Istanbul reflects both the importance of Türkiye within the European basketball landscape and the strong momentum we continue to see for the game across the country.”
“Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Basketball Without Borders is a special milestone for the program and the global basketball community,” said Kimberley Gaucher, FIBA Head of Players Unit. “The new format, bringing together 80 young players, will create a truly unique environment where they will each be exposed to different styles of play, cultures, and perspectives from across the basketball world. Combined with Türkiye’s proven commitment to developing young talent and its recent successful hosting of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup, this year’s camp will provide the perfect setting for the next generation of players to learn, connect, and grow.”
“Turkish basketball’s growing presence on the international stage is driven not only by our achievements on the court, but also by the world-class events we are proud to host,” said Turkish Basketball Federation President Hidayet Türkoğlu. “We are delighted to welcome the 25th anniversary of Basketball Without Borders, jointly organized by the NBA and FIBA and taking place at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center in Istanbul. Bringing together some of the world’s most talented young players alongside NBA players, coaches and basketball experts, this prestigious camp will provide a unique opportunity for learning, development and cultural exchange. We believe it will make a meaningful contribution to the future of Turkish basketball while creating an inspiring and unforgettable experience for every participant. Beyond basketball, we hope all of our guests will leave Türkiye with lasting memories of Istanbul’s unique beauty, our rich culture and the warm hospitality they experience throughout their stay. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the NBA and FIBA for their valued collaboration and for making this special event possible.”
A ceremony on the final day of the camp will award the Kim Bohuny Camp MVP, the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award, the Three-Point Champion, the Defensive MVP and the Playoff MVP to the campers who distinguish themselves on the court and as leaders.
More than 50 former BWB campers were among the record 135 international players on opening-night rosters last season, including 2026 NBA All-Stars Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers; Israel; BWB Europe 2018; BWB All-Star 2019), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder; Canada; BWB All-Star 2016), Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets; Canada; BWB All-Star 2015) and Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012). BWB has reached more than 4,900 participants from 149 countries and territories since 2001, with 155 former campers advancing to the NBA or WNBA. The NBA and FIBA have staged 86 BWB camps in 56 cities across 36 countries on six continents.
Men’s BWB Next Up 2026 will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear.”
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