Ajayi Elebire Elite Basketball Camp: 40 players advance from Lagos screening to Ekiti

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Forty young basketball players have been selected from 120 participants at the Lagos screening for the fifth edition of the Ajayi Elebire Elite Basketball Camp, earning places at the next stage of the programme in Ekiti State.

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The players emerged from a competitive tryout at the Ilupeju basketball court on Monday, where they were assessed on their skills, athletic ability and potential.

The selected players will proceed to Ekiti for further training, with 10 participants expected to receive scholarships at the end of the camp.

Olalekan Ajayi, founder of the initiative and a former basketball player, said the selection process was designed to identify the most promising talents while allowing them to develop their game and pursue further opportunities through basketball.

He expressed hope that some of the 40 players would distinguish themselves during the camp and earn the scholarships on offer.

Ajayi explained that the programme, initially held in Lagos, was moved to Ekiti last year to give back to his home state and raise awareness about basketball development in the area.

Beyond developing players’ technical abilities, he said the camp was committed to instilling discipline, responsibility, dignity and good citizenship.

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“We are an elite organisation where we teach them about life and being good people. Who you are as a person is more important to us. Basketball will take care of itself on the court,” he said.

Ajayi added that participation in the camp was entirely free, with the organisers providing accommodation, meals, transportation, basketball equipment and footwear, including Nike and Jordan shoes.

Former national team coach Scott Nnaji, who attended the screening, commended the initiative, describing grassroots development as essential to the growth of Nigerian basketball.

He said working with the selected players over the next three days, alongside other coaches, would help improve their skills and overall understanding of the game.

Nnaji stressed that sustained investment in young players remained critical to building a stronger basketball culture in the country.

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At the screening, scout Scott Adubato also praised the quality of talent on display and the opportunity the programme provides for young players to showcase their abilities.

He said he was impressed by the determination of the participants and welcomed the chance to contribute to the development of basketball in Nigeria.

“This is a good one coming from Lekan, giving the kids an opportunity with the basketball camp, and I am happy to be here and contribute my quota to the development of basketball in Nigeria,” Adubato said.

With 40 players advancing to Ekiti and 10 scholarships available, the next phase of the camp will give participants a chance to turn their promise into tangible opportunities for further development.

The initiative continues to combine basketball training with personal development, reflecting its organisers’ emphasis on preparing young people for life beyond the court.