Hawks’ Horford visits third continent with Basketball without Borders

By Chris Vivlamore

Sept 24, 2013

Hawks preseason key dates

Monday — Media day

Tuesday — Training camp begins, first three days in Athens

Oct. 7 — Exhibition opener at Heat

Oct. 8 — Exhibition game vs. Bobcats (Asheville)

Oct. 13 — Exhibition game vs. Pelicans (Biloxi)

Oct. 17 — Exhibition home opener vs. Spurs

Oct. 23 — Exhibition finale at Mavericks

Oct. 28 — Rosters set for opening day

Oct. 30 — Regular-season opener at Mavericks

Three continents down, two to go. (Sorry Antarctica).

Hawks center Al Horford recently completed his third international trip with the NBA’s Basketball without Borders program. Horford traveled to Johannesburg in August with a team of players, coaches and ambassadors to work with 60-plus basketball prospects from 24 African countries.

He previously went to Mexico City (listed as in South America/Central America by the NBA) in 2008 and Singapore (Asia) in 2009 as part of the league’s initiative.

“I need to go to Europe and I don’t know if they can squeeze me into Australia,” Horford joked during a recent interview.

Basketball without Borders is co-operated by the NBA and FIBA. The organizations describe the effort as a global basketball development and community outreach program that unites young basketball players to promote the sport and encourage positive social change in the areas of education, health and wellness. The camps are held each year in cities in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe.

This trip was a little different for Horford and some of the campers. August is wintertime in South Africa. This camp was held outdoors in temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees. Not everyone, especially campers from central Africa, were accustomed to such conditions. Sweaters and hoodies were the attire of choice.

“I just enjoy making a difference and helping people,” Horford said. “I’m in a position where I can do that. Not only to help people but at the same time, I can help expand the game of basketball. I know in other countries, basketball is not as popular but I just want to bring that awareness and make a difference at the same time.”

Horford was joined by fellow NBA players Thabo Sefolosha, whose father is South African, Serge Ibaka (Congo), Hasheem Thabeet (Tanzania), Jerryd Bayless, Bismack Biyombo (Congo), Luol Deng (South Sudan), Kyrie Irving and NBA global ambassador and former Hawks player Dikembe Mutombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Adam Silver, the NBA’s current deputy commissioner and soon-to-be commissioner, also attended.

“I grew up with my dad as a musician, so I saw a lot of South African artists coming to the house” Sefolosha told NBA.com. “This had a big influence for me as a young child. Being able to come back to South Africa and Africa and give back, I am always happy to do that.”

The young players were taught fundamentals and skills and played scrimmages. The team of players and coaches also did a number of community events. Horford said he visited the SOS Children’s Village for orphans and helped with a Special Olympics event.

Sacramento forward Luc Mbah a Moute (Cameroon) and Minnesota draft pick center Gorgui Deng (Senegal) are products of the Basketball without Borders Africa program.

“The skill level is not as impressive as here or Europe but they are enthusiastic,” Horford said. “They showed improvement in the four days we were there. …

“The campers were so enthusiastic about the whole experience. Their energy was ridiculous. They were eager to learn the game and get better. It was an awesome experience.”

The trip was the second international venture for Horford during his offseason. He also went to London in July in advance of the Hawks’ regular-season game against the Nets to be played in January.

Horford said he followed his trip to Johannesburg with a safari in Kruger National Park.

Horford will return to work next week. The Hawks open training camp with a media day event on Monday. The first three days camp will be held in Athens.

About the Author