The American Community School was doubly pleased as the landmark inaugural edition of the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League came to an exciting conclusion with a day of gala finals.
As part of the joint venture between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the National Basketball Association (NBA), 450 boys and girls aged 11 to 14 from 30 schools in Abu Dhabi took part in the youth for the first time -Basketball league part time in the region. Each school was assigned an NBA franchise to represent it.
More than two months of intense action came to a close on Saturday in front of legendary former players Paul Pierce and Robert Horry, with merry hosts in a packed ACS, victorious in both competitions.
“It was the greatest joy to see players who put their heart and soul into it not for themselves but for their teammates,” said triumphant ACS coach Levent Edepli.
The youth league is part of a groundbreaking, multi-year partnership between DCT Abu Dhabi and the NBA. The deal will see the UAE capital become the first Arabian Gulf city to host NBA preseason games when the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks perform at the Etihad Arena on Thursday October 6 and Saturday October 8 Yas Island meet.
Other facets of the partnership include a variety of interactive fan events featuring performances by current and former NBA stars, an NBA 2K League exhibit, and a series of NBA Fit Clinics.
Little separated the teams this weekend in two tense Jr. NBA Finals watched by more than 400 spectators.
ACS girls [San Antonio Spurs] won 11-10 against Summit International School [Memphis Grizzlies]. Esin Edepli of the Winners was named MVP after a game decided in the dying seconds.
A late threesome decided the boys’ title. ACS [Portland Trail Blazers] clinched a 23-20 win over Raha International School [Phoenix Suns]with Aaron Trescott accepting MVP honors.
Lycee Français International Theodore Monod [Brooklyn Nets] Beat ACS II [Detroit Pistons] 21-18 in third/fourth boys playoff. For the girls, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi [Washington Wizards] won 29-1 against Horizon Private School Abu Dhabi [Charlotte Hornets].
Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi returns for a second edition later this year.
Fans can also express interest in more information about the 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi Games, including exclusive pre-sale access and additional benefits, by visiting NBA.com/AbuDhabi.
