NBA Academy Select Showcase Commenced in Abu Dhabi
The four-day basketball camp features 32 prospects from 14 countries at New York University Abu Dhabi.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Basketball
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The NBA Academy Select Showcase has begun at New York University Abu Dhabi, gathering 32 top youth players from 14 different countries. Participants are engaging in a rigorous program focused on professional development and international competition.
Why it matters
This showcase is designed to accelerate the skill development of international talent by providing professional coaching and high-level competitive opportunities. The event aims to bridge the gap between regional grassroots basketball and global scouting standards.
The four-day camp hosts 32 selected under-18 athletes representing 14 nations. The curriculum spans combine testing, skill sessions, and team competitions.
The players
Mahdi Habib
He is a basketball player from Bahrain participating in the showcase.
Jok James
He is an athlete taking part in the development camp in Abu Dhabi.
Damian Cotter
He is one of the coaches leading the NBA Academy programming.
Ron Harper
He is a former professional basketball player attending the event to observe the prospects.
Jason Richardson
He is a retired NBA star providing mentorship and evaluation at the showcase.
The details
Coaches Damian Cotter, James Wade, Henry Domercant, and Dan Craig are leading the training camp, which features Mahdi Habib and Jok James. The program includes life-skills sessions, individual conditioning, and a three-point contest to round out the evaluation process.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The four-day showcase begins.
September 26, 2026: The programme concludes with games and awards.
Season Trajectory
This showcase follows a path set by the Basketball Without Borders Next Up camp by standardizing international prospect evaluation. It significantly alters the recruitment landscape by aggregating talent from across Africa, South Asia, and the Gulf in a single competitive environment.
Participants are currently undergoing combine testing and evaluation games that will define their standing for future international recruitment cycles. These stats serve as the primary metric for scouts tracking the next generation of global basketball talent.
The takeaway
The showcase highlights the growing influence of the NBA on global youth development infrastructures. Aspiring athletes should focus on the holistic combination of physical testing and life-skills education emphasized by the league's coaching staff.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DT News.
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