Masai Ujiri, co-founder of Giants of Africa and President of the Dallas Mavericks, said unveiling the non-profit’s 50th community basketball court brought a “deep fulfilment” moment as the group reached the midpoint of its goal to construct 100 courts across Africa.
Key takeaways
- Ujiri celebrated Giants of Africa reaching 50 basketball courts toward a total pledge of 100 across Africa.
- The ceremony took place on Monday, May 25, at King’s College in Lagos.
- The event featured basketball clinics, community activities and performances by Nigerian artists May D and Mayorkun.
- The new court was built by Webber Engineering, led by CEO Babalola, a former basketball player turned sports entrepreneur.
- GOA also ran a women’s coaching clinic and a youth clinic for students from King’s College and Queen’s College.
Midpoint milestone at King’s College
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held on Monday, May 25 at the historic King’s College in Lagos, Ujiri said the latest installation marked a joyful achievement in the organisation’s mission to expand access to the sport. He also highlighted the significance of the court being placed within a school with deep history, noting that Giants of Africa’s journey to reach fifty had moved faster than even his own expectations when the target was first discussed.
“It’s a thing of joy and fulfilment to have the 50th court in our mission of providing 100 courts around Africa,” Ujiri said. He added that the momentum would continue, expressing excitement about plans to deliver additional courts in Nigeria before expanding into other parts of the country.
“Built Within” event blends sport, community and training
The 50th-court milestone was celebrated through GOA’s “Built Within” initiative. Along with the handover, the programme included basketball clinics and community engagement at the Lagos Island venue, complemented by live entertainment from artists May D and Mayorkun.
The modern court was constructed by Webber Engineering. Its chief executive, Babalola, was described as a former basketball player who later became a sports entrepreneur. King’s College principal praised Giants of Africa and the school’s 1982–1988 old students for their support, urging pupils to embrace the discipline, teamwork and goal-setting that basketball teaches.
Dr. Owodipe, President of the King’s College Old Boys Association, also spoke at the event, saying the arrival of a new basketball facility on the school grounds fulfilled a dream that had been in place for a decade.
Women’s coaching clinic and youth development sessions
Alongside the court handover, GOA held a women’s basketball coaching clinic led by coaches with experience in the United States, Canada and Europe. The session focused on equipping female coaches with practical skills and mentorship to support their development and influence.
After the coaching clinic, GOA ran a youth clinic for 50 boys and girls from King’s College and Queen’s College, reinforcing the organisation’s wider emphasis on creating development pathways and opportunities for young people through sport.
