NBA Stars to Headline Kiki Romero Gym Reopening & Basketball Clinic in Juárez

NBA Stars to Headline Reopening of Enrique “Kiki” Romero Gym in Juárez

Monday, February 9, 2026 – Ciudad Juárez is set to welcome three NBA veterans for the reopening of the Enrique “Kiki” Romero Municipal Gym. The event, spearheaded by the Municipal Institute of Sports and Physical Culture of Juárez, will feature a basketball clinic led by Horacio Llamas, Eduardo Nájera, and Jorge Gutiérrez, offering a unique opportunity for local youth to learn from experienced professionals.

The clinic is scheduled to take place from February 13th through February 15th at the newly renovated “Kiki” Romero Municipal Gymnasium. Registration is currently open online at https://clinicabasquetbol.deportecdjuarez.gob, and spaces are limited. Interested participants can also register in person at the offices of the Municipal Institute of Sports and Physical Culture, located next to the Jaime Canales Lira Stadium on Avenida De las Américas.

The visiting NBA players expressed their gratitude to Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar through a pre-recorded video message, thanking him for making the camp accessible to the community at no cost. This gesture underscores the commitment to providing opportunities for young athletes in the region.

Council members highlighted the significance of the event, noting that three of the four most prominent Mexican players to compete in the NBA will be in attendance. The only notable absence is Gustavo Ayón. This gathering represents a considerable achievement for the city and a source of inspiration for aspiring basketball players.

The reopening of the Enrique “Kiki” Romero Gym is more than just a sporting event; it’s a revitalization project for the Azteca neighborhood and surrounding areas. Mayor Pérez Cuéllar emphasized the importance of restoring the facility to the community, noting that the investment in the “Kiki” Romero Gym exceeded that of the Josué Neri Santos Municipal Gymnasium, demonstrating a strong commitment to social impact through sports infrastructure.

Juan Escalante, the director of IMDEJ, confirmed that the gym has undergone a complete remodel and is fully prepared to welcome users. The facility now boasts four basketball courts, providing ample space for practice, and competition. The renovated gym will also be available for other sports, further expanding its utility to the community.

The official reopening ceremony is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Friday, February 13th, immediately followed by the commencement of the sports clinic led by the former NBA players. This event promises to be a significant boost for basketball development in Ciudad Juárez, offering young athletes a chance to learn from some of the best to ever represent Mexico on the world stage.

The presence of Llamas, Nájera, and Gutiérrez carries particular weight given their respective NBA careers. Horacio Llamas, a center, was the first Mexican-born player to appear in an NBA game, playing for the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks. Eduardo Nájera, a forward, enjoyed a lengthy NBA career with multiple teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, and San Antonio Spurs, known for his tenacious rebounding and defensive play. Jorge Gutiérrez, a guard, played for several teams including the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves, showcasing his versatility and scoring ability.

The Enrique “Kiki” Romero Gym has long been a cornerstone of the local sporting community. Its renovation and reopening, coupled with the visit of these NBA stars, signals a renewed investment in youth development and athletic opportunities in Ciudad Juárez. The event is expected to draw significant attention and inspire a new generation of basketball players in the region.