Launched in May 2011, the Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA Finals is a massive spectacle that looks to shine a light on all things basketball development in Mzansi. The program has grown to include 116 teams from 44 schools across all five regions of the Royal Bafokeng Nation and has reached more than 100,000 people over the past 13 years through basketball development and youth engagement initiatives. The program features a youth basketball league for boys and girls in primary and secondary schools, elite development camps, coaching clinics and basketball court refurbishments.
It also comprises of NBA-trained national and international level staff (nine players and two coaches who have represented South Africa at international events) who are tasked with overseeing and directing the various programs that are divided into a coach’s certification and development program; an after-school program; a scholastic 5-on-5 Jr. NBA League and tournament for boys and girls throughout 18 schools; and the building of infrastructure to support the program.
As part of the broader NBA and Royal Bafokeng Sports (RBS) partnership, 18 new and refurbished basketball courts were built across the five Royal Bafokeng regions. Initially for middle school and high school students, the program added primary school students in 2014.
In March 2016, Hollywood actor Kevin Hart visited the program and attended basketball clinics at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.
The Larry O’Brien Trophy, presented by NBA Legends Cedric Ceballos and Sam Perkins, featured at the fourth edition of the Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA Finals which took place in October 2014.
Overall Impact
- 31 primary schools: 62 U13 boys & girls’ teams
- 13 secondary schools: 26 U16 boys & girls’ teams and 26 U18 boys & girls teams
- A total of 44 schools and 116 teams
- Over 10,000 kids have played in our various leagues since the launch of the program in 2011.
- Total program reach of over 100,000 people across all the villages of Bafokeng and greater Rustenburg.
- 60 RBS coaches have gone through the Jr.NBA Coaches Academy Training
NBA/WNBA Players
Over the past 13 years many NBA and WNBA players, legends and coaches have visited the program and provided mentorship to the youth, including Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria) and Dikembe Mutombo (DRC), former NBA players Cedric Ceballos (U.S.), Sam Perkins (U.S.), Jerome Williams (U.S.), Ronny Turiaf (France), Luol Deng (South Sudan), Thabo Sefolosha (South Africa/Switzerland), Luc Mbah a Moute (Cameroon), Ian Mahinmi (Benin/France), Serge Ibaka (most recently with the Milwaukee Bucks), and former WNBA players Ruth Riley (U.S.), Astou Ndiaye (Senegal), Ticha Penicheiro (Portugal) and Clarisse Machanguana (Mozambique).
This year’s edition is taking place on 30 September 2023 and we look forward to forming part of it as well as documenting the various exciting elements.
