Young talents shine at Michael Eric's basketball camp in Lagos

D’Tigers assistant captain Michael Eric held a Top 50 elite basketball camp in Lagos on Friday. The turnout and the quality of young talents impressed the organisers, according to Saturday PUNCH.

The camp was organised by the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation, a non-profit that Eric started in memory of his late father, Joe Erico. Joe was a former Super Eagles goalkeeper and assistant coach.

Eric, who grew up in Mushin, Lagos, said watching the teenagers showcase their skills made him feel good about the foundation's efforts. He believes they are truly helping young Nigerians who don’t have proper sports opportunities.

"Seeing these kids show up prepared and eager to learn, seeing the hunger in their eyes, it gives you goosebumps and that is exactly the goal," Eric said.

He shared that his late father inspired this initiative. Joe's belief in giving back has influenced Eric throughout his career.

"He always told me it is not about you. You are here for a reason, and you must use your gift to give. I have taken that message very deeply. It is no longer just about me. I have lived the life I could live and enjoyed what basketball has given me, but I have to come back home and make sure something meaningful is done," Eric said.

Around 50 young players and their coaches from different academies came to Lagos for the camp. The aim was to spot standout talents and introduce them to international standards. Participants went through drills and training sessions. The foundation provided shoes, jerseys, and other gear. The best two or three athletes will be considered for sponsorship or trials with clubs in Europe.

Gbenga Jetawo, the foundation’s programme director, said the turnout was better than expected. He noted that the initiative has trained over 1,000 children since it started five years ago, with Eric funding everything himself.

"We were impressed by the turnout and by the display of these teenagers. What they showed today tells you that the talent is there. We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport. If we see a child has interest in something else, we encourage them to chase that too," Jetawo said.

Chris Nomigo, the head coach, led the technical team at the camp. He said the atmosphere was energetic and focused.

"The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance," Nomigo said.

Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager, emphasised the importance of balancing education and sports. He credits this principle to his late father's teachings.

"Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children," he said.

He also praised other Nigerian basketball professionals who are starting similar initiatives across the country. He sees this collective effort as a movement that is changing grassroots development.

The foundation aims to set up a full academy in Nigeria with international ties. They plan to secure sponsorship and continue tracking the progress of children who go through their programmes.