40 Young Players Move to Next Stage of Ajayi Elebire Basketball Camp in Ekiti

Forty young basketball players have been picked from 120 at the Lagos screening for the fifth edition of the Ajayi Elebire Elite Basketball Camp. They will move on to the next stage of the programme in Ekiti State.

The players were chosen after a tough tryout at the Ilupeju basketball court on Monday. They were evaluated based on their skills, athletic ability, and potential.

These selected players will head to Ekiti for more training, with 10 of them expected to earn scholarships at the end of the camp.

Olalekan Ajayi, the founder of the initiative and a former basketball player, said the selection process aims to find the most promising talents. He wants to help them develop their game and find more opportunities in basketball.

Ajayi hopes some of the 40 players will stand out during the camp and win the scholarships available.

He noted that the programme started in Lagos but moved to Ekiti last year. He wants to give back to his home state and raise awareness about basketball development in the area.

Beyond improving players’ skills, Ajayi said the camp aims to teach discipline, responsibility, dignity, and good citizenship.

"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 also mentioned that joining the camp is completely free. The organisers will provide accommodation, meals, transportation, basketball gear, and even shoes from Nike and Jordan.

Scott Nnaji, a former national team coach, was at the screening. He praised the initiative and called grassroots development essential for the growth of Nigerian basketball.

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

Nnaji emphasized that ongoing investment in young players is key to building a stronger basketball culture in Nigeria.

During the screening, scout Scott Adubato also spoke highly of the talent on display. He said the programme gives young players a chance to show what they can do.

Adubato was impressed by the determination of the participants. He welcomed the chance to help develop basketball in Nigeria.

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

With 40 players moving to Ekiti and 10 scholarships available, the next part of the camp will give participants a chance to turn their promise into real opportunities for growth.

The initiative continues to mix basketball training with personal development, showing the organisers’ focus on preparing young people for life beyond the court.