Basketball legends hail impact of Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League after conclusion of fourth edition

Basketball legend Gary Peyton speaking at the Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League event (NBA)
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Updated 20 April 2025
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Basketball legends hail impact of Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League after conclusion of fourth edition

  • Arab News spoke to NBA legends Danny Green and Gary Payton after last week’s event at NYU Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Basketball legends Danny Green and Gary Payton praised the impact of the Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League after it recently concluded its fourth edition with the finals event at NYU Abu Dhabi.

The competition was launched in November by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and the National Basketball Association.

At the closing ceremony, Green and Payton presented awards to the champions of the fourth annual Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League, including the Raha International School Khalifa City Campus (Dallas Mavericks), the British International School (Milwaukee Bucks), ADQ (Golden State Warriors) and the ADQ (Boston Celtics).  The associate vice president for global partnerships at NBA Europe & Middle East, David Watts, was also present at the event.

This season the Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League expanded to four leagues and 122 teams, with 1,830 players from Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain participating. The program is part of a multiyear partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, which has included six preseason NBA games in Abu Dhabi since 2022.

The Jr NBA is the NBA’s global youth basketball program for boys and girls, focused on teaching fundamental skills and core values of the game — teamwork, respect, determination, and community — at the grassroots level. The league aims to promote these values and inspire youth to lead an active and healthy lifestyle through participation in sport.

Arab News spoke to Green and Payton after the event.

 

Danny Green

As a three-time NBA champion, what does it mean to you to see programs like the Jr NBA inspiring young athletes here in Abu Dhabi?

It truly means a lot. I remember being a kid with big dreams, and basketball gave me the opportunity to travel the world — to visit places I only imagined. Being in Abu Dhabi now, and seeing how the game is growing here, is incredibly humbling. The fact that young players are picking up a basketball because they’ve watched me play — that’s something I never expected. It’s surreal, and honestly one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

 

How important is it for you to help develop not just basketball skills, but also values like teamwork and respect, which the Jr NBA emphasizes?

It’s huge. The reality is not everyone will make it to the NBA — but the lessons you learn through basketball go way beyond the court. Things like leadership, communication, respect, and doing things the right way — those are values that apply to life in general. Those lessons translate into life and any career path. The leadership, the camaraderie, the ability to work with others — those are universal skills that can help shape your future in a meaningful way.

 

From your experience visiting Abu Dhabi, what potential do you see for basketball culture to grow in this region?

There’s real potential here. Every basketball nation has a starting point — look at France or Serbia, countries that weren’t always seen as global forces in the game. Now they’re among the best. Growth takes time, but with the passion I’ve seen in Abu Dhabi, and with initiatives like the Jr. NBA, there’s no doubt this region can become a serious player in the basketball world down the line. This is how it begins.

 

What advice would you give to young players who dream of following in your footsteps and making it to the NBA one day?

My biggest advice is: don’t give up. Stay focused, stay persistent, and don’t take no for an answer. Use your resources, work hard, and believe in yourself. I came from a small town in Long Island — nothing was handed to me. If I could make it, so can you. And it’s not always about being the most talented or athletic — look at guys like Steph Curry or Steve Nash. They weren’t the biggest or fastest, but they perfected their craft. If you’re putting in the work while others are sleeping, you’re already ahead.

 

Gary Payton

You played the game with incredible passion and grit — how important is it for young Jr NBA players here in Abu Dhabi to develop that same mindset early?

You know, that kind of mindset — the hunger to compete and love the game — has to come from within. You can’t force it on anyone. Kids have to grow into it and decide for themselves how much they want it. What helps is putting them in a competitive environment. When they’re on the floor, going up against each other, something clicks. They start wanting to win, they feel that drive — and that’s when the mindset starts to form. My advice is not to push kids into something they don’t love. Instead, create the space for them to be challenged and discover that passion for themselves.

As someone who came through tough basketball environments, how do you view the impact of organized grassroots leagues like the Jr NBA on a young athlete’s life?

Leagues like the Jr. NBA are everything for these kids. We're dealing with a different generation now — one that needs more structure, more guidance. That’s why having an organized system like this is so important. It teaches them how to play the right way, how to grow as competitors, and how to adapt to the way the game is constantly evolving. You only get better when you play against the best — and programs like this bring that level of competition and structure to young players in countries around the world. It gives them something to strive for.

What has impressed you most about the talent or enthusiasm you’ve seen from the kids here in Abu Dhabi?

What stands out to me is their passion and willingness to learn. You can see it — they’re not just here to play for fun, a lot of them truly want to understand the game. And with the NBA bringing preseason games to the region and showing up in person, it’s helping these kids realize that this game is real, that it's something they can dream about and work toward. They watch these players on TV, use them on video games — and now they’re seeing them live, right here. That fuels their ambition. The skill level and potential I’ve seen here is impressive, and that’s why the NBA is investing in this region.

If you could give one piece of advice to the Jr NBA players today about chasing success both on and off the court, what would it be?

Honestly, my first piece of advice is about life off the court. Because the reality is, not everyone will make it to the NBA — and that’s the truth. So it’s about being well rounded. Focus on school, focus on your books. You can be successful in so many ways — not just through basketball. You can be great in business, in art, in anything you put your mind to. Basketball might not be the path life has planned for you, and that’s OK. But whatever you do, set goals and work hard, both on the court and off. Have something you’re striving for, no matter where life takes you.


Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly battle to scoreless draw in Club World Cup opener

Updated 15 June 2025
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Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly battle to scoreless draw in Club World Cup opener

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida: Lionel Messi was denied on a long shot in extra time and Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly settled for a scoreless draw in the opening game of the Club World Cup on Saturday night.
Argentina’s eight-time Ballon d’Or winner kicked a long, curling shot from the right side that was tipped by diving goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy and brushed off the crossbar in the 96th minute front of a crowd of more than 60,000 at Hard Rock Stadium. Messi also shaved the post with a free kick in the 60th minute in the second half.
Miami had its own good fortune, surviving a first half onslaught by 12-time African champion Al Ahly, with goalkeeper Oscar Ustari saving a penalty from Trezeguet just before the break.

Key moment

Miami had to rely on veteran Argentine goalkeeper Ustari to keep the game level in the first half, with the 38-year-old pulling off a number of saves as Al Ahly dominated the chances. He produced a crucial double save just before halftime — blocking Trezeguet’s 43rd-minute penalty and then getting up quickly to deny the forward again on the rebound.

Takeaways
A draw leaves both teams with a battle to advance from Group A with tougher tests likely to come against Brazilian giant Palmeiras and Porto from Portugal. The top two advance to the round of 16.
Miami can be encouraged by its performance in the second half after being dominated in the first half. Inter Miami had the better chances after the break, with Messi’s free kick and curling long shot both hitting the woodwork.

What they said
“It was a good party for football. It’s a new competition and the chance to play teams we don’t play normally in our league, so it can be very good for us. You can prove what we can do.” – Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami coach.
“I’m disappointed with the result. We could have taken all three points. We respect Inter Miami and their big-name players, but we could’ve finished the game in the first half by scoring three or four goals.” — Wessam Abou Ali, Ah Ahly forward.
 


Seven Saudi-based foreign players to feature in 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Qadsiah’s Mexican forward #33 Julian Quinones celebrates with Qadsiah’s Gabonese forward #10 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Riyadh
Updated 14 June 2025
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Seven Saudi-based foreign players to feature in 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup

  • Five of the selected players featured in the latest season of the Saudi Pro League, while the remaining two played in the First Division

RIYADH: Seven Saudi-based foreign professional footballers have been called up to represent their national teams in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will take place in the US and Canada from June 14 to July 6.

Five of the selected players featured in the latest season of the Saudi Pro League, while the remaining two played in the First Division, highlighting the growing global impact of football in the Kingdom.

Among the standout names is Julian Quinones, the prolific striker for Al-Qadsiah, who earned a spot on Mexico’s national team roster. Quinones had an impressive season, finishing as the fourth highest scorer in the top flight with 20 goals.

Panama included Orlando Mosquera, the dependable goalkeeper from Al-Fayha, who helped his team secure a 13th-place finish in the league.

The Jamaican squad features two Saudi-based players: Demarai Gray, the winger for Al-Ettifaq, and Damion Lowe, the defender from Al-Okhdood.

Curacao’s team includes relegated Al-Wehda midfielder Juninho Bacuna, and Jurien Gaari, the defender from Al-Hazem, who secured promotion to the SPL.

Finally, Honduras will be represented by Romell Quioto, the striker for Al-Arabi, who finished the season 12th in the second tier’s standings.


South Africa win first major cricket trophy in 27 years

Updated 14 June 2025
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South Africa win first major cricket trophy in 27 years

  • Match will go down as one of the greatest days in the country’s sports

LONDON: Chokers no more. The South Africans consigned the word to history when they ripped the World Test Championship mace from Australia’s callused grip inside four days of a riveting final at Lord’s.

South Africa wore a new label Saturday — champion — by claiming its first major cricket trophy in 27 years when it wrapped up a five-wicket win.

The last 69 runs required on day four were confidently knocked off by the Proteas in just over two hours — only three boundaries — with Australia typically fighting all the way to the inevitable end.

South Africa moved from a portentous 213-2 overnight to a winning 285-5, the second highest successful run chase in the 141-year test history at the home of cricket.

Victory laid to rest ghosts of heartbreaking losses on big ICC stages that have haunted South Africa for decades. The venues and dates are infamous in South Africa cricket, among them Birmingham 1999, Dhaka 2011, Auckland 2015, Kolkata 2023 and Bridgetown 2024.

But London 2025 will go down as one of the greatest days in South Africa sports, when its cricket underdogs grabbed the advantage and didn’t let go against a red-hot Australia.

“While we were batting, we could hear the Aussies using that dreaded word, choke,” Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said. “It’s been years since we’ve overcome a final. We’ve been etched in history, we’re part of something that has never been done. It’s special in a lot of ways. Also, it’s a chance for South Africa to be united. We’ve got a cause where we can put aside our differences and enjoy. We just have to embrace it.”

The stunning result also bodes well for South Africa’s preparations for its home ODI World Cup in 2027. It’s a different format, but the Proteas’ mindsets won’t be burdened by not having won a global trophy since the Champions Trophy’s precursor in 1998.

Australia didn’t give up the WTC mace easily, relentlessly attacking the stumps and trying to prey on any South Africa butterflies. The desperate Australians used up their three reviews in vain within the first 90 minutes and fought to the end. But the serial champions lost an ICC final for only a fourth time in 14 chances.

“They were fantastic in that fourth innings,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said. “There wasn’t a lot in the wicket but they didn’t give us a chance.”

The Proteas were staunch, losing only three wickets on Saturday. One of them was Aiden Markram, the colossus Australia could not topple until it was too late.

He resumed the day on 102 and was out for 136 when only six runs from victory. He spent six hours, 23 minutes in the middle. Australia didn’t celebrate his wicket. Instead, players slapped Markram on the back and congratulated him on his match-winning knock as the Lord’s crowd stood and applauded.

“Growing up, Lord’s was the one venue I wanted to play at,” Markram said. “To do it at a final and win is something really special.”

About 15 minutes later, Kyle Verreynne hit the winning run, a drive into the covers.

Markram and an injured Bavuma set up the victory the day before with an unbeaten partnership of 143 runs. They could not finish what they started, adding only four runs together before Bavuma edged Cummins behind for 66, one more than he had overnight.

Markram was named man of the match. He also took two vital wickets, that of Steve Smith on 66 in Australia’s first innings, when Smith became the highest foreign test run-scorer at Lord’s, and Josh Hazlewood to end Australia’s second innings. Kagiso Rabada had nine-for in the match.

South Africa’s target was set at 282, considered too far. But in a batting unit far less experienced than Australia’s and considered a weak point, Markram and Bavuma chanced on ideal batting conditions on day three Friday and exploited them mercilessly. The turning point was Bavuma dropped in the slips on 2 by Smith, who broke his finger and didn’t return to the match.

South Africa was criticized by some before the final for its supposedly easier road in the 2023-25 WTC cycle — it didn’t face Australia or England in a series — but it has won eight straight tests, its second longest streak in history.

“We’ve come a long way as a team, as a country,” emotional spinner Keshav Maharaj said. “We always say we want to be good people and play good. We’re moving in the right direction as a cricketing nation.

“After 25 years of pain, to finally get over the line is super emotional. We’re so grateful to have Temba to get us over the line. Diversity is our strength, so to see the crowd, they stand for the meaning of our rainbow nation. To lift the trophy is going to unite the nation even more.”


Al-Qadsiah to face Sevilla in Antonio Puerta Trophy memorial match

Updated 14 June 2025
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Al-Qadsiah to face Sevilla in Antonio Puerta Trophy memorial match

  • Encounter with Spanish La Liga team on Aug. 4 will form key part of Saudi club’s preparations for 2025-26 season

ALKHOBAR: Al-Qadsiah Football Club will take part in the annual Antonio Puerta Trophy memorial match hosted by Spanish club Sevilla FC in tribute to the late Antonio Puerta.

The memorial match is one of Spanish football’s most heartfelt fixtures, held annually to honor the memory of a player who had a lasting impact on Sevilla FC and its supporters.

Puerta died on Aug. 18, 2007, three days after suffering a series of cardiac arrests during a La Liga match against Getafe.

The memorial match will take place at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville on Monday, Aug. 4, at 9 p.m. local time.

This fixture forms part of Al-Qadsiah’s pre-season training camp, which will be held across the Netherlands and Spain, ahead of the 2025–2026 season. The team is scheduled to play four friendly matches during the camp, including the high-profile encounter against Sevilla.

The memorial match reflects a broader collaboration between the two clubs, highlighting the symbolic importance of the event and Al-Qadsiah’s growing international profile.

Al-Qadsiah views the match as a milestone in its long-term strategy to foster relationships with leading football institutions and to strengthen its brand across the region and worldwide.


Thunder rally to beat Pacers, level NBA Finals at 2-2

Updated 14 June 2025
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Thunder rally to beat Pacers, level NBA Finals at 2-2

  • NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander finds a way to fight through for Oklahoma City Thunder
  • The Thunder are seeking their first title since the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008

LOS ANGELES, United States: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter as the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied for a gritty 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers that leveled the NBA Finals at two games apiece on Friday.

Frustrated for much of the game by Indiana’s relentless defense, NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander found a way to fight through.

He followed a three-pointer with a pull-up jumper to give the Thunder their first lead since the first half with 2:23 remaining.

They wouldn’t trail again. Gilgeous-Alexander, who didn’t get to the free-throw line in the first half, added six free-throws in the final 44 seconds.

“It’s a dog fight,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after another intense, physical battle between the two teams. “Every time you step on the floor, on both ends of the floor they make you work.”

Jalen Williams scored 27 points, Chet Holmgren added 14 points and 15 rebounds and Alex Caruso chipped in with 20 points off the bench for the Thunder.

Pascal Siakam scored 20 points to lead Indiana, adding eight rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Tyrese Haliburton scored 18 points, Obi Toppin added 17 off the bench and the Pacers led by 10 late in the third quarter.

But Oklahoma City – who dropped back-to-back games just twice this season and haven’t lost consecutive games in the playoffs – clamped down defensively in the fourth, determined not to fall in a 3-1 hole.

“We knew it when we woke up this morning – 3-1 is a lot different than 2-2 going back home,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We played with desperation to the end the game and that’s why we won.”

Gilgeous-Alexander said the Thunder must “maintain the same desperation” when they host game five on Monday.

The Thunder are seeking their first title since the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, having won it all in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Pacers, chasing their first NBA title, struck first in another fast-paced opening quarter in front of their energized fans, making four of their first five shots and building a nine-point lead midway through the opening period.

Oklahoma hit back, putting together a 9-0 run to tie it, but the Pacers – with a strong defensive effort on Gilgeous-Alexander and four steals from Pascal Siakam – emerged from the first period with a 35-34 lead.

The back and forth battle continued in the second, when Oklahoma City led by as many as six but could never pull away and Haliburton converted a three-point play – driving through traffic for a layup and making the free throw, his first of the series – to put Indiana up 60-57 at halftime.

By then, tensions had already ratcheted up. Toppin was assessed a flagrant foul for a check that sent Alex Caruso sprawling under the basket.

Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein confronted Toppin and both received technical fouls.

OKlahoma City’s Luguentz Dort was later assessed a flagrant foul for swiping an arm over Toppin’s head.

Toppin gave Indiana the first double-digit lead of the game with a dunk that put them up 86-76 late in the third.

But the Thunder dug deep, tying it up four times in the fourth quarter before Gilgeous-Alexander came through.

“You’re up seven at home you’ve got to dig in and find a way and we were not able to do it tonight,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “But give them credit. They kept attacking, kept attacking, and their defense was great down the stretch.”

Oklahoma City closed the game on a 12-1 scoring run, and Gilgeous-Alexander was the driving force.

“He’s unreal,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said, although Caruso said nothing Gilgeous-Alexander does surprises him anymore.

“I’ve seen him do it night after night,” Caruso said. “He doesn’t show a lot of emotion on the court, but he’s one of the most competitive guys in this league.”