Basketball: Team Ondo State gears up for National Sports Festival

…set to hold Southwest Basketball Camp in Ondo State

By Tosin Omojola

The Ondo State Basketball Team has commenced preparations for the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway 2024.

This was disclosed by Oluwasuyi Olabode James, the only registered FIBA agent in Nigeria and the acting chairman of the Ondo State Basketball Association.

James revealed that Team Ondo is aiming for a podium finish as preparations for the national sporting event are in full swing. He emphasized that the Ondo State Basketball Association is entering a new era in revitalizing the sport in the Sunshine State.

“We are 100% sure of our participation in the National Sports Festival. Our goal is to bring basketball back to life in Ondo State,” he stated.

He noted that the state is home to promising talents who have not been given adequate opportunities to shine due to a lack of tournaments and an enabling environment for growth.

“We have many talented boys eager to play, but they lack exposure due to the absence of regular games and tournaments. Some of the boys who represented the state at the Southwest Basketball League Showdown have potential but struggled because they had never faced such a high level of competition before,” he lamented.

The former basketball player-turned-administrator expressed optimism about the future of basketball in Ondo State. He revealed plans to collaborate with other Southwest state basketball associations to organize tournaments and other activities aimed at rekindling interest in the sport.

“With the conclusion of the Nigeria Basketball Federation Men’s Premier League, we will be inviting some teams to play with us. This will help our players gain more experience, as we currently lack sufficient team games,” he explained.

To further boost basketball development in Ondo State, James announced plans to hold a Southwest basketball camp in the state.

“We are planning a camp for Southwest states, inviting five boys and five girls from each state. The camp will run for three days, and the participants will receive training and education from top Nigerian coaches. They will also be provided with all necessary basketball equipment. It’s an all-expenses-paid event,” he shared.

Looking ahead, James expressed his ambition to host the 2025 edition of the Southwest Basketball League Showdown in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

“Next year, I intend to discuss with Mr. Olumide Oyedeji, the sole sponsor of the Southwest Basketball League, to partner with him in bringing the tournament to Akure. This would be a major highlight for basketball in the state,” he added.

Ondo State recently secured fourth place at the Southwest Basketball League Showdown, held at the basketball court of Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State.