NBA legend Ray Allen inspires at Junior NBA clinic in Soweto
On his visit to Africa, two-time NBA champion, Ray Allen, also a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, who was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018, made a brief stop at the Klipspruit Sports Centre, in Soweto, on Saturday.
There, the three-point sharpshooter, participated in a Junior NBA Clinic that attracted over 300 children, aged u14.
To commemorate his 50th birthday, Allen has been on an extraordinary trip to various countries, including Rwanda, which has ploughed significant resources into basketball. While there, he enjoyed a remarkable mountain gorilla-tracking experience with his family in the Volcanoes National Park.
In South Africa, he began his journey with a family safari, discovering breathtaking landscapes, observing wildlife, and cherishing quality moments in nature.
Addressing the media, Allen said that when he first landed in Africa there was a sense of unity and camaraderie that he felt on the continent. “You see the togetherness, that unity, people growing and trying to encourage each other. It’s been extremely peaceful everywhere I’ve gone,” he commented.
He further characterised the visit as an educational experience from a cultural perspective, emphasising the importance of being immersed in the environment to gain a deeper understanding of the music and food, which are all interconnected.
At the Klipspruit Sports Centre, Allen’s presence induced broad smiles from the young players and an uplifting experience as Allen, his children, and prominent figures in South African basketball – including Mthokozisi Madonda, who oversees the NBA’s social initiatives across the continent, and Monwabisi Dlamini, the founder of Soweto Basketball Academy – led and guided the clinic.
The young participants dribbled and practiced their shots, filled with excitement as they lapped up the opportunity to work with an NBA great.
In a conversation with the media, Allen said he consistently considers the potential of children, focusing on their capabilities rather than their appearances. He believes that if people are prepared to invest in the youth, they can accomplish remarkable things in their lives.
It is the duty of community members, he emphasised, to offer resources to the youth, to enable them to lead fulfilling lives. This, he noted, not only benefits the community but also positively impacts future generations, as it fosters a cycle of giving back and supporting the community.
“For me to be here, it also encourages me,” he added, “just knowing that when I walk into a room, kids are excited. These kids have never seen me play before but just seeing me provides inspiration and excitement for them.”
These moments, Allen said, will remain with him throughout his life, understanding that the contributions he made during his career continue to hold significance for many individuals.
“I try to use it to the best of my ability to grow the game of basketball and to inspire young people,” he explained.
Having travelled the world, thanks to basketball, Allen told SuperSport Schools Plus that the sport transcends mere recreation. He stated that when one contemplates the game of basketball, it encompasses business, education, community, resources, and even real estate.
“When you talk about building facilities, arenas, cities that give people jobs, and opportunity, it brings tourism to your city.
“I’ve seen countless cities in America that didn’t have sports teams that built and achieved sports significance, how it helped the economy, how it helped the people, and how it inspired young people to be inspired to be more and see more.”
Basketball has transcended the act of dribbling, he said. It has served as a unifying force among individuals, as reflected in his perspective, testimonies, and experiences related to the sport.
Watching individuals unite in support of their team is a truly beautiful experience, and the emotion when a team is victorious or plays a great game leads to collective celebrations, he concluded.
