Basketball has had a tremendous impact on people outside of the United States. As the game has expanded its borders over the years, it has brought diverse communities from countries all over the world together.
The impact the NBA has had, not only in the United States but internationally, is evident as the league has created various opportunities to bring the people of a certain country much closer to basketball, whether it be through camps children could attend or through volunteer work.
This impact, in addition, proved to be an inspiring journey for Erik Spoelstra, as he reflected on his experience with being involved with the Africa game, along with other NBA camps.
The Miami Heat head coach discussed how the NBA Africa Games, that have been played over the years, were something that he enjoyed and found inspiring, thanks in large part to former Heat forward Luol Deng.
According to Ira Winderman of the Sun Herald, Spoelstra stated:
“Part of the reason I went on this trip this year is from talking to Lu…Lu expressing his background and the experiences he had growing up was something that really impacted me and everybody on the team…And then when they had the game two years ago, I followed it closely, because of Lu.”
These opportunities created by the NBA offer life-changing experiences to many. Spoelstra emphasized in the article social education is being emphasized more because of this initiative from the NBA.
Players and personnel have their own backgrounds, and their stories continue to inspire followers of the game globally, as basketball impacts the lives of fans around the world.
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