Los Angeles is preparing to welcome a rising star from Germany’s basketball ranks as Jamie Edoka, a 17-year-old player with Eintracht Frankfurt/Skyliners, has been invited to participate in the NBA Basketball Without Borders Global Camp . The camp, a cornerstone of the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities, brings together top high-school-age prospects from around the world for intensive training and competition.
Edoka’s invitation follows a strong performance at the adidas NextGen EuroLeague Qualifier in Ulm, where he quickly established himself as a key player for NextGen Team Ulm. He opened the tournament as his team’s top scorer with , scoring 20 points in his debut game, and nearly secured a game-winning shot in the closing moments. He continued to demonstrate versatility in subsequent matches, contributing 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in the second round.
The Basketball Without Borders (BWB) program, a joint initiative of the NBA and FIBA, has been a fixture of the NBA All-Star Weekend for a decade. This year’s camp will feature 40 prospects representing 29 countries and territories. The program’s format is evolving, with the introduction of “BWB Next Up” – annual camps for the top 80 male and female prospects from outside the U.S. These camps will serve as a pathway to the BWB All-Star camps held during NBA All-Star events.
“Basketball Without Borders has been a cornerstone of our global development efforts for 25 years, and this reimagined format will build upon the legacy of the program and enhance its impact on the next generation of international players,” said NBA Associate Vice President, Head of Elite Basketball Brendan McKillop in a statement released . The shift aims to strengthen the competitive experience and create a clearer path for international players to reach the NBA and WNBA.
For the Skyliners organization, Edoka’s invitation represents a significant moment. The last player from Frankfurt to participate in the BWB Camp was Isaac Bonga in 2017. “The invitation to Basketball Without Borders is a great honor for Jamie,” said Thore Bethke, Headcoach NBBL & Leiter Nachwuchs (Head of Youth Development) for the Skyliners. “We are very happy for him that he has the chance to compete with the best basketball players of his age worldwide. As I know Jamie, this will be a great incentive for him to continue pursuing his path in basketball with determination.”
Dr. Markus Klusemann, Headcoach Skyliners Juniors, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are very happy for Jamie. He is getting one step closer to his dream of professional basketball and will be able to compete with the best players of his age. His Skyliners teammates and coaches wish him a great experience.”
The BWB Global Camp offers a comprehensive program for participants, including high-level skill development sessions, athletic training, and life skills workshops. These activities will be led by current and former NBA and FIBA players, as well as experienced coaches. The camp aims to foster the growth of talented young players and build a network of international basketball connections.
Edoka expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I am very excited about the week in L.A. I think it is a good chance to compete with other strong players from all over the world, to make new contacts and generally to get to know new people. It is a great opportunity to learn from ex-NBA players or people who have a lot to do with the NBA.”
Edoka’s participation in the camp means he will be absent from ProB league duties with the Skyliners Juniors during the All-Star Weekend. However, the opportunity to showcase his skills on an international stage alongside the world’s top young talent is considered invaluable.
The invitation to the BWB Global Camp underscores the growing internationalization of basketball and the NBA’s commitment to developing talent beyond the United States. Edoka’s journey from the NBBL (Germany’s junior league) to the NBA’s premier development camp highlights the increasing opportunities for European players to pursue professional careers in North America. His early success, including a notable performance at the EuroLeague qualifier, demonstrates a maturity and skill set that has caught the attention of NBA and FIBA scouts.
Beyond the immediate benefits of the camp, participation in Basketball Without Borders can significantly enhance a player’s visibility and open doors to further opportunities. The program has a proven track record of producing NBA players, and Edoka will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of previous BWB alumni as he continues his basketball career.
