The NBA has closed its only elite training academy in Africa, less than a decade after it was launched in Senegal to prepare promising young African players for professional leagues in the United States and elsewhere.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Academy has over the years trained about 110 students since launching in 2018, with many of its graduates moving on to elite schools and universities in the US.The move comes as the American entity moves to open a new global academy in Abu Dhabi, effectively terminating operations in Africa, Mexico and Australia.Madina Okot features as Atlanta Dream secure first playoff semifinal since 2018NBA has defended the decision, arguing that it reflected a shift in global basketball development strategy, as all training will be run out of a new global academy to open soon in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.In its statement, the NBA added that it is continuing to invest in African talent through other programmes and closing the academy does not signal a diminished commitment to the continent.##NAJAVA_MECA_10000336##It cited examples such as the creation of a Basketball Africa League (BAL), which is heading to its seventh season, and Basketball Without Borders, which organises elite training camps for young people worldwide, including in Africa.The move has drawn sharp criticism, with critics arguing that closing the academy would limit opportunities for young African players.However, NBA maintains that training all young players at a single location would give them greater exposure to professional coaches and scouts worldwide.Naomi Korir's 13-year battle that almost denied her a career in running"We're incredibly proud of the impact that NBA Academy Africa has had and remain committed to developing the next generation of African players," Troy Justice, NBA senior vice president, said in a statement.
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