D’Tigers assistant captain Michael Eric on Thursday hosted a Top 50 elite basketball camp in Lagos on Friday, with the turnout and quality of young talent on display leaving organisers deeply impressed,Saturday PUNCHreports.The camp is held under the auspices of the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation, a non-profit he established in honour of his late father, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and assistant coach Joe Erico.Eric, who was born and raised in Mushin, Lagos, said watching the teenagers put their skills on show throughout the day reinforced his belief that the foundation’s work was making a genuine difference in the lives of young Nigerians who lacked access to proper sporting platforms.“Seeing these kids show up prepared and eager to learn, seeing the hunger in their eyes — it gives you goosebumps and that is exactly the goal,” Eric said.He added that the inspiration for the initiative came partly from his late father, whose philosophy of giving back had stayed with him throughout his professional career.“He always told me it is not about you. You are here for a reason, and you must use your gift to give. I have taken that message very deeply. It is no longer just about me. I have lived the life I could live and enjoyed what basketball has given me, but I have to come back home and make sure something meaningful is done,” Eric said.50 young players and their coaches from various academies across the country converged on Lagos for the one-day camp, with organisers seeking to identify standout talents and expose them to international standards. Participants went through drills and training sessions, with the foundation providing pairs of shoes, jerseys and other gear. The best two or three athletes identified are to be considered for sponsorship or trials with clubs in Europe.The foundation’s programme director, Gbenga Jetawo, said the level of participation at the camp had exceeded expectations, noting that the initiative had now trained over 1,000 children since it began running five years ago, funded solely by Eric.Related NewsDelta entrepreneur urges skill acquisition for womenFG targets 500,000 young entrepreneurs with up to N2m loanNYSC renews call for improved welfare, safety“We were impressed by the turnout and by the display of these teenagers. What they showed today tells you that the talent is there. We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport. If we see a child has interest in something else, we encourage them to chase that too,” Jetawo said.Head coach Chris Nomigo, who led the technical team at the camp, said the atmosphere throughout the day had been energetic and purposeful.“The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance,” Nomigo said.Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. The camp is held under the auspices of the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation, a non-profit he established in honour of his late father, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and assistant coach Joe Erico.Eric, who was born and raised in Mushin, Lagos, said watching the teenagers put their skills on show throughout the day reinforced his belief that the foundation’s work was making a genuine difference in the lives of young Nigerians who lacked access to proper sporting platforms.“Seeing these kids show up prepared and eager to learn, seeing the hunger in their eyes — it gives you goosebumps and that is exactly the goal,” Eric said.He added that the inspiration for the initiative came partly from his late father, whose philosophy of giving back had stayed with him throughout his professional career.“He always told me it is not about you. You are here for a reason, and you must use your gift to give. I have taken that message very deeply. It is no longer just about me. I have lived the life I could live and enjoyed what basketball has given me, but I have to come back home and make sure something meaningful is done,” Eric said.50 young players and their coaches from various academies across the country converged on Lagos for the one-day camp, with organisers seeking to identify standout talents and expose them to international standards. Participants went through drills and training sessions, with the foundation providing pairs of shoes, jerseys and other gear. The best two or three athletes identified are to be considered for sponsorship or trials with clubs in Europe.The foundation’s programme director, Gbenga Jetawo, said the level of participation at the camp had exceeded expectations, noting that the initiative had now trained over 1,000 children since it began running five years ago, funded solely by Eric.Related NewsDelta entrepreneur urges skill acquisition for womenFG targets 500,000 young entrepreneurs with up to N2m loanNYSC renews call for improved welfare, safety“We were impressed by the turnout and by the display of these teenagers. What they showed today tells you that the talent is there. We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport. If we see a child has interest in something else, we encourage them to chase that too,” Jetawo said.Head coach Chris Nomigo, who led the technical team at the camp, said the atmosphere throughout the day had been energetic and purposeful.“The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance,” Nomigo said.Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. Eric, who was born and raised in Mushin, Lagos, said watching the teenagers put their skills on show throughout the day reinforced his belief that the foundation’s work was making a genuine difference in the lives of young Nigerians who lacked access to proper sporting platforms.“Seeing these kids show up prepared and eager to learn, seeing the hunger in their eyes — it gives you goosebumps and that is exactly the goal,” Eric said.He added that the inspiration for the initiative came partly from his late father, whose philosophy of giving back had stayed with him throughout his professional career.“He always told me it is not about you. You are here for a reason, and you must use your gift to give. I have taken that message very deeply. It is no longer just about me. I have lived the life I could live and enjoyed what basketball has given me, but I have to come back home and make sure something meaningful is done,” Eric said.50 young players and their coaches from various academies across the country converged on Lagos for the one-day camp, with organisers seeking to identify standout talents and expose them to international standards. Participants went through drills and training sessions, with the foundation providing pairs of shoes, jerseys and other gear. The best two or three athletes identified are to be considered for sponsorship or trials with clubs in Europe.The foundation’s programme director, Gbenga Jetawo, said the level of participation at the camp had exceeded expectations, noting that the initiative had now trained over 1,000 children since it began running five years ago, funded solely by Eric.Related NewsDelta entrepreneur urges skill acquisition for womenFG targets 500,000 young entrepreneurs with up to N2m loanNYSC renews call for improved welfare, safety“We were impressed by the turnout and by the display of these teenagers. What they showed today tells you that the talent is there. We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport. If we see a child has interest in something else, we encourage them to chase that too,” Jetawo said.Head coach Chris Nomigo, who led the technical team at the camp, said the atmosphere throughout the day had been energetic and purposeful.“The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance,” Nomigo said.Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. “Seeing these kids show up prepared and eager to learn, seeing the hunger in their eyes — it gives you goosebumps and that is exactly the goal,” Eric said.He added that the inspiration for the initiative came partly from his late father, whose philosophy of giving back had stayed with him throughout his professional career.“He always told me it is not about you. You are here for a reason, and you must use your gift to give. I have taken that message very deeply. It is no longer just about me. I have lived the life I could live and enjoyed what basketball has given me, but I have to come back home and make sure something meaningful is done,” Eric said.50 young players and their coaches from various academies across the country converged on Lagos for the one-day camp, with organisers seeking to identify standout talents and expose them to international standards. Participants went through drills and training sessions, with the foundation providing pairs of shoes, jerseys and other gear. The best two or three athletes identified are to be considered for sponsorship or trials with clubs in Europe.The foundation’s programme director, Gbenga Jetawo, said the level of participation at the camp had exceeded expectations, noting that the initiative had now trained over 1,000 children since it began running five years ago, funded solely by Eric.Related NewsDelta entrepreneur urges skill acquisition for womenFG targets 500,000 young entrepreneurs with up to N2m loanNYSC renews call for improved welfare, safety“We were impressed by the turnout and by the display of these teenagers. What they showed today tells you that the talent is there. We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport. If we see a child has interest in something else, we encourage them to chase that too,” Jetawo said.Head coach Chris Nomigo, who led the technical team at the camp, said the atmosphere throughout the day had been energetic and purposeful.“The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance,” Nomigo said.Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. He added that the inspiration for the initiative came partly from his late father, whose philosophy of giving back had stayed with him throughout his professional career.“He always told me it is not about you. You are here for a reason, and you must use your gift to give. I have taken that message very deeply. It is no longer just about me. I have lived the life I could live and enjoyed what basketball has given me, but I have to come back home and make sure something meaningful is done,” Eric said.50 young players and their coaches from various academies across the country converged on Lagos for the one-day camp, with organisers seeking to identify standout talents and expose them to international standards. Participants went through drills and training sessions, with the foundation providing pairs of shoes, jerseys and other gear. The best two or three athletes identified are to be considered for sponsorship or trials with clubs in Europe.The foundation’s programme director, Gbenga Jetawo, said the level of participation at the camp had exceeded expectations, noting that the initiative had now trained over 1,000 children since it began running five years ago, funded solely by Eric.Related NewsDelta entrepreneur urges skill acquisition for womenFG targets 500,000 young entrepreneurs with up to N2m loanNYSC renews call for improved welfare, safety“We were impressed by the turnout and by the display of these teenagers. What they showed today tells you that the talent is there. We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport. If we see a child has interest in something else, we encourage them to chase that too,” Jetawo said.Head coach Chris Nomigo, who led the technical team at the camp, said the atmosphere throughout the day had been energetic and purposeful.“The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance,” Nomigo said.Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. “He always told me it is not about you. You are here for a reason, and you must use your gift to give. I have taken that message very deeply. It is no longer just about me. I have lived the life I could live and enjoyed what basketball has given me, but I have to come back home and make sure something meaningful is done,” Eric said.50 young players and their coaches from various academies across the country converged on Lagos for the one-day camp, with organisers seeking to identify standout talents and expose them to international standards. Participants went through drills and training sessions, with the foundation providing pairs of shoes, jerseys and other gear. The best two or three athletes identified are to be considered for sponsorship or trials with clubs in Europe.The foundation’s programme director, Gbenga Jetawo, said the level of participation at the camp had exceeded expectations, noting that the initiative had now trained over 1,000 children since it began running five years ago, funded solely by Eric.Related NewsDelta entrepreneur urges skill acquisition for womenFG targets 500,000 young entrepreneurs with up to N2m loanNYSC renews call for improved welfare, safety“We were impressed by the turnout and by the display of these teenagers. What they showed today tells you that the talent is there. We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport. If we see a child has interest in something else, we encourage them to chase that too,” Jetawo said.Head coach Chris Nomigo, who led the technical team at the camp, said the atmosphere throughout the day had been energetic and purposeful.“The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance,” Nomigo said.Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. 50 young players and their coaches from various academies across the country converged on Lagos for the one-day camp, with organisers seeking to identify standout talents and expose them to international standards. Participants went through drills and training sessions, with the foundation providing pairs of shoes, jerseys and other gear. The best two or three athletes identified are to be considered for sponsorship or trials with clubs in Europe.The foundation’s programme director, Gbenga Jetawo, said the level of participation at the camp had exceeded expectations, noting that the initiative had now trained over 1,000 children since it began running five years ago, funded solely by Eric.Related NewsDelta entrepreneur urges skill acquisition for womenFG targets 500,000 young entrepreneurs with up to N2m loanNYSC renews call for improved welfare, safety“We were impressed by the turnout and by the display of these teenagers. What they showed today tells you that the talent is there. We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport. If we see a child has interest in something else, we encourage them to chase that too,” Jetawo said.Head coach Chris Nomigo, who led the technical team at the camp, said the atmosphere throughout the day had been energetic and purposeful.“The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance,” Nomigo said.Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. The foundation’s programme director, Gbenga Jetawo, said the level of participation at the camp had exceeded expectations, noting that the initiative had now trained over 1,000 children since it began running five years ago, funded solely by Eric.Related NewsDelta entrepreneur urges skill acquisition for womenFG targets 500,000 young entrepreneurs with up to N2m loanNYSC renews call for improved welfare, safety“We were impressed by the turnout and by the display of these teenagers. What they showed today tells you that the talent is there. We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport. If we see a child has interest in something else, we encourage them to chase that too,” Jetawo said.Head coach Chris Nomigo, who led the technical team at the camp, said the atmosphere throughout the day had been energetic and purposeful.“The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance,” Nomigo said.Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. “We were impressed by the turnout and by the display of these teenagers. What they showed today tells you that the talent is there. We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport. If we see a child has interest in something else, we encourage them to chase that too,” Jetawo said.Head coach Chris Nomigo, who led the technical team at the camp, said the atmosphere throughout the day had been energetic and purposeful.“The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance,” Nomigo said.Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. Head coach Chris Nomigo, who led the technical team at the camp, said the atmosphere throughout the day had been energetic and purposeful.“The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance,” Nomigo said.Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. “The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance,” Nomigo said.Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. Eric, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 after a growth spurt as a teenager led him to the sport, said the foundation placed equal emphasis on education and sport, a principle he credited to his late father’s influence.“Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. “Basketball is just a tool to improve your life. When you are educated, you can walk into any room with confidence and create opportunities for yourself far beyond sport. That is what we are trying to pass on to these children,” he said.He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. He also praised fellow Nigerian basketball professionals who had begun launching similar initiatives across the country, describing the collective effort as a movement that was beginning to transform grassroots development.The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes. The foundation said its long-term goal was to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations, secure sponsorship partnerships and continue tracking the progress of children who pass through its programmes.