NBA to hold historic development camp in Cuba
NEW YORK — The NBA is set to become the first U.S. professional sports league to visit Cuba since President Barack Obama ordered diplomatic relations between the countries to be restored.
The league will hold a four-day development camp and host clinics for youth from April 23-26. Recently retired two-time MVP Steve Nash, newly elected Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo and former WNBA star Ticha Penicheiro will take part, along with NBA coaches Quin Snyder of Utah and James Borrego of Orlando.
“Of all of the places we’ve been to, it’s amazing to think this is the first time the NBA will be hosting events in that country,” NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum told reporters.
Obama ordered relations with Cuba to be normalized in December. The NBA and FIBA, basketball’s world governing body, also will invite two players and one coach from Cuba to participate in an upcoming Basketball without Borders camp for the first time.
“While we’re in Cuba, we’re going to teach the values of our game, things like teamwork, respect, dedication,” Tatum said. “Our game is an inclusive, easy-to-understand sport that has brought people together. We think this is a great opportunity to bridge cultures through basketball.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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