NBA Africa, Stanbic Bank, and the Luol Deng Foundation tipped off the second season of the Stanbic Jr. NBA League last Saturday at Nimra Talata Basketball Stadium in Juba, South Sudan. The youth basketball league features 28 boys and girls’ teams composed of players aged 16 and under, all set to compete in regular season games through September.

The competition will culminate in the second edition of the playoffs and finals this October. Organized under the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA banner, the initiative aims to instill teamwork, respect, determination, and community in young players through structured grassroots basketball competition.

Youth teams represent NBA franchises in nationwide format

Before the official tip-off, a league draw was held at St. Mark’s Orthodox School on Thursday. Participating schools selected the NBA franchise they will represent throughout the season by drawing team jerseys, giving local players the experience of competing under globally recognized banners.

The launch weekend also featured a basketball clinic for 40 coaches and educators on Friday. These sessions aimed to elevate local coaching standards and promote skill development and mentorship for young athletes across South Sudan.

Stanbic League builds on success of first season in Juba

The inaugural season’s final was held at the same Nimra Talata Stadium last August, with Luol Deng and 1995 NBA All-Star Cedric Ceballos in attendance. Juba One 76ers won the title in front of a packed crowd, cementing the Jr. NBA format’s popularity in the region.

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program is part of the league’s global youth initiative, currently active in 19 African countries. In 2024 alone, the program reached over 350,000 youth across the continent through various grassroots competitions and clinics, making it one of the continent’s most impactful youth sports platforms.