Basketball Camp by D’Tigers' Eric Set for Lagos

D’Tigers assistant captain Michael Eric will hold his Top 50 elite basketball camp in Lagos on July 24. This event is organized by the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation, which he established to honor his late father, Joe Erico. Joe was a former Super Eagles goalkeeper and assistant coach, according to Saturday PUNCH.

Eric, who grew up in Mushin, Lagos, shared his plans at a press conference at the Airport Golden Tulip Hotel in Ikeja. He wants to create chances for young Nigerians who love basketball but do not have the same opportunities he had.

“The journey became doing it not just for me, but doing it for those who wanted to do this but could not. So hearing many stories stayed with me to think of doing something for Nigerian youths, not just with basketball but mentorship and impacting the next generation,” Eric said.

Eric did not start playing basketball until later in life. He focused on school early on because his father insisted on academics. Joe Erico played for Nigeria in the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations and later helped the Super Eagles qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

It was a growth spurt as a teenager and a trip to the United States to see his elder brother, Stephen, that made Eric choose basketball. He earned a scholarship to Temple University in Philadelphia and was signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013.

The foundation’s program director, Gbenga Jetawo, mentioned that this initiative has been running for five years. It has been funded by Eric and trains boys and girls aged 14 to 18 in basketball basics. The program also focuses on discipline and life skills beyond just basketball.

“We train them in basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them. We don’t stop in basketball, and if we see the kids have interest in other things, we encourage them to chase it as well,” Jetawo said. He added that over 1,000 children have been trained, with some receiving scholarships abroad.

Jetawo explained that the upcoming Top 50 camp will gather 50 young players and their coaches from different academies nationwide. The aim is to find standout talents and introduce them to international standards. Participants will go through drills and basic training sessions. The foundation will also provide about 200 pairs of shoes, jerseys, and other gear. The top two or three athletes identified may get sponsorship or trials with clubs in Europe.

Chris Nomigo, the head coach who will lead the camp, said it is designed as a crash course to bring out the best in the participants while making it fun.

“It is going to be fun most especially. Whatever you do without having fun will not be worthwhile. It is a one-day thing, so it will be a crash course, but we do our best to keep in contact with the kids so keeping it continuous helps that they all get a chance and impact,” Nomigo said.

Eric, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Temple University, which he completed in 2012, believes education is very important.

“Education is very important. You can learn many things in school, but education goes beyond that. Basketball is a tool to improve your life but when you are also educated, you can walk into different rooms with confidence, communicate effectively, and create opportunities for yourself beyond sports,” Eric said.

The foundation aims to establish a full-fledged academy in Nigeria with international partnerships. They want to secure sponsorships and help develop players who can reach the NBA while continuing to support children who pass through their programs.