Doha, Qatar: Qatari basketball has marked another milestone on the international stage, with players Amer Hossawi and Azzam Yakan selected to take part in the inaugural men’s camp Basketball Without Borders – BWB Next Up 2026, hosted in Istanbul, Turkiye, from August 26 to 29.
Their participation comes as part of a roster of 78 promising talents representing 44 countries and territories across six continents, in an event organized by the National Basketball Association (NBA) in collaboration with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Turkish Basketball Federation.
The camp will be held at the Basketball Gelişim Center, featuring some of the world’s most outstanding high‑school level prospects.
For Qatar, the inclusion of Hossawi and Yakan carries special significance, continuing the nation’s consistent presence in the Basketball Without Borders program, which has previously showcased several Qatari talents in international editions.
Notably, Abdullah Yassin participated in BWB Asia in Singapore in 2025, where he won first place in the three‑point shooting contest, while Abdullah Musa joined the BWB All‑Star camp in Los Angeles in February 2026.
This latest participation aligns with the program’s new format, launched by NBA and FIBA to mark the 25th anniversary of Basketball Without Borders. Under the “Next Up” initiative, two annual camps - one for men and one for women - will spotlight the best young talents outside the United States, serving as a pathway toward the prestigious BWB All‑Star camps held alongside NBA and WNBA events.
During the camp, the Qatari players will gain invaluable exposure by competing with elite prospects from around the globe, benefiting from the expertise of current and former NBA players and coaches.
Activities will include physical and athletic testing, movement evaluations, specialized skill development sessions, 3×3 competitions, 5×5 games, and leadership and life‑skills seminars.
Since its inception in 2001, the Basketball Without Borders program has welcomed more than 4,900 players from 149 countries and territories, with 155 alumni advancing to the NBA or WNBA. This track record highlights the program’s global stature as a premier platform for identifying and nurturing young basketball talent.
