The future of global basketball is about to ignite in Istanbul! The NBA and FIBA, in partnership with the Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF), are launching the groundbreaking Men’s Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Next Up camp, a premier event poised to unearth the next generation of international superstars. This isn't just a camp; it's a proving ground where 78 elite high-school-age prospects from 44 countries across six continents will converge from August 26-29 to hone their skills under the watchful eyes of NBA legends and current talent.
Key Points: The Next Era of Global Hoops
- Elite Gathering: 78 top male prospects from 44 countries participate in the inaugural BWB Next Up camp in Istanbul.
- Star Power Mentors: Current NBA players like Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, and Jalen Suggs, alongside legends such as Vlade Divac and Danilo Gallinari, will guide the young talent.
- Intensive Development: Campers will undergo rigorous athletic testing, skill development, 3-on-3, and 5-on-5 competitions.
- Path to Stardom: BWB has already propelled 155 former campers to the NBA or WNBA, with this new "Next Up" format designed to accelerate that pipeline.
Istanbul Takes Center Stage for Global Talent
From Wednesday, August 26, to Saturday, August 29, the Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi in Istanbul, Türkiye, will be buzzing with raw potential. This monumental event marks the debut of BWB’s revitalized "Next Up" format, a testament to the NBA and FIBA's quarter-century commitment to global basketball development. It's the third time Istanbul has hosted a BWB camp, cementing its place as a crucible for international talent.
Mentors of Tomorrow: Legends and All-Stars Lead the Way
Imagine learning from the best! The young prospects will receive unparalleled instruction and mentorship from a dazzling array of NBA and FIBA greats. Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach Kenny Atkinson, along with current NBA stars like the LA Clippers' Brook Lopez, Washington Wizards' Khris Middleton and Bub Carrington, and Orlando Magic's Jalen Suggs, are set to share their invaluable experience.
Joining them are former NBA champions such as Thomas Bryant and all-time European legends like Vlade Divac and Danilo Gallinari. This incredible lineup ensures that every camper gains insight from players who have reached the pinnacle of the sport, offering a unique blend of on-court wisdom and life skills seminars crucial for their journey.
BWB Next Up: Forging the Future of Basketball
This year’s camp coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Basketball Without Borders program, a global initiative that has impacted over 4,900 participants from 149 countries. The new BWB Next Up structure signifies an ambitious step forward, establishing two annual camps – one for top male prospects and one for female prospects – designed to feed into exclusive BWB All-Star camps during the NBA and WNBA All-Star weekends. The inaugural women's camp is scheduled for Fall 2026.
The BWB legacy is undeniable. Last season alone, over 50 former BWB campers were on NBA opening-night rosters, including All-Stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and Pascal Siakam. These camps are vital pathways, with 155 former participants successfully transitioning to careers in the NBA or WNBA.
Recognizing Excellence: Awards and Accolades
The camp culminates in a prestigious ceremony, where standout performers will be celebrated. Awards like the Kim Bohuny Camp MVP, the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award, the Three-Point Champion, the Defensive MVP, and the Playoff MVP will recognize those who not only excel on the court but also embody leadership and sportsmanship. These accolades serve as early markers of potential greatness, highlighting individuals who are ready to take their game to the next level.
Stay connected with all the action by following #BWBNextUp on social media!
NBA and FIBA Stars & Coaches at BWB Next Up 2026
Current NBA Players
- Dominick Barlow – Philadelphia 76ers, USA
- Saddiq Bey – New Orleans Pelicans, USA
- Thomas Bryant – Cleveland Cavaliers, USA
- Bub Carrington – Washington Wizards, USA
- Brook Lopez – LA Clippers, USA
- Khris Middleton – Washington Wizards, USA
- Jalen Suggs – Orlando Magic, USA
- Jabari Walker – Philadelphia 76ers, USA
NBA Coaches and Personnel
- Kenny Atkinson – Cleveland Cavaliers, USA
- Caron Butler – Miami Heat, USA
- Dahntay Jones – LA Clippers, USA
- Jannero Pargo – Indiana Pacers, USA
- Lamar Skeeter – Charlotte Hornets, USA
- Greg St. Jean – Los Angeles Lakers, USA
- Ekpe Udoh – Atlanta Hawks, USA (ties to Nigeria)
- James White – Minnesota Timberwolves, USA
NBA and FIBA Legends
- Vlade Divac – NBA and FIBA Legend, Serbia
- Danilo Gallinari – NBA and FIBA Legend, Italy
Camp Directors
- Chris Ebersole – Los Angeles Lakers, USA
- Prosper Karangwa – Philadelphia 76ers, Canada/Rwanda
- Adam Simon – Miami Heat, USA
- Mike Zarren – Boston Celtics, USA
Strength and Conditioning
- Isaiah West – Brooklyn Nets, USA
- Emily Zaler – Philadelphia 76ers, USA
Athletic Trainers
- Dan Shimensky – Denver Nuggets, USA
- Casey Smith – New York Knicks, USA
Men’s BWB Next Up 2026 Campers (Partial List)
- Jose Dias – Angola
- Facundo Mathieu – Argentina
- Enzo Roth – Argentina
- Riak Akhuar – Australia
- John Aryang – Australia
- Yahya Basaran – Australia
- Antonio Browne – Australia
- William Troy Hamilton – Australia
- Manu Agbason – Azerbaijan
- Hassan Oshobuge Abdulkadir – Bahrain
- Aaron Ona Embo – Belgium
- Imran Subasic – Bosnia
- Lucas Moro – Brazil
- Victor Santos – Brazil
- Isaiah Clarke – Canada
- Noah D’Acre – Canada
- Kenyon St. Louis – Canada
- Kingston Thomas – Canada
- Boran Yue – China
- Zhanfeng Zhou – China
- Marek Houska – Czech Republic
- Martin Sibal – Czech Republic
- Martin Simko – Czech Republic
- Neora Francis Ossete Toly – Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Lucas Troels-Smith – Denmark
- Malvin Duran – Dominican Republic
- Robert Kangur – Estonia
- Mathias Fabien – France
- Messi Yangala – France
- Mansour Bayo – The Gambia
- Mamadou Samba – The Gambia
- Herbert Roland Senghore – The Gambia
- Lucai Anderson – Germany
- Paul Plato – Germany
- Caspar Vossenberg – Germany
- Angelos Zoupas – Greece
- Vince Gaspar – Hungary
- Lapo Santini – Italy
- Minty Jean-Philippe Dylan Oka – Ivory Coast
- Gabrielius Buivydas – Lithuania
- Jokubas Kukta – Lithuania
- Kristupas Sabeckas – Lithuania
- Luca Balducci – Mexico
- Yair Olano – Mexico
- Luka Malovic – Montenegro
- Marko Popovic – Montenegro
- Tawhiri Cate – New Zealand
- Liam Keogh – New Zealand
- Zach Rampton – New Zealand
- Justin Akengbowa – Nigeria
- Kalu Miracle Ebubechukwu – Nigeria
- Prince Carino – Philippines
- Lukasz Lysek – Poland
- Miguel Sousa – Portugal
- Dwight Gaines – Puerto Rico
- Ameer Hausawi – Qatar
- Azam Yakan – Qatar
- Serigne Saliou Mbodji – Senegal
- Petar Bjelica – Serbia
- Matija Lukic – Serbia
- Ognjen Simjanovski – Serbia
- Lun Jarc – Slovenia
- Taejoon Park – South Korea
- Emmanuel Aguer Majak – South Sudan
- Eghosa Odeje – Spain
- Troy Hilamani Kaufusi – Tonga
- Abderahmen Bouguerra – Tunisia
- Adem Rafrafi – Tunisia
- Besir Briant – Turkey
- Darius Karutasu – Turkey
- Ruzgar Opcun – Turkey
- Demir Ozturk – Turkey
- Omer Sik – Turkey
- Dmytro Datsenko – Ukraine
- Oliver Bishop – United Kingdom
- Maxx Tjongondjoza – United Kingdom
- Kevin Gutierrez – Venezuela
- Julio Vasquez – Venezuela
