By LOIS ELFMAN | Amsterdam News
It was an incredible experience for current WNBA players Jasmine Thomas of the Connecticut Sun and Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings, who worked together with WNBA players of the past and current Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn for the fourth NBA Academy Women’s Camp Africa. It took place Dec. 5-8 at NBA Academy Africa, an elite training center in Saly, Senegal and included high school aged players from across the continent.
“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” said Thomas. “We do camps all the time. You run these programs all day. It was so much more. It was programming for these young ladies on the court, off the court, life skills, challenges they’ve faced. Being able to connect with them and actually be a presence for them…and let them know we want to be part of helping them achieve their goals.”
Several WNBA veterans also participated, including Taj McWilliams-Franklin and two former players from Africa, Astou Ndiaye (member of the 2003 WNBA Champion Detroit Shock) and Hamchetou Maiga-Ba (2005 champion with the Sacramento Monarchs).
“Maiga was amazing with the kids,” said Thomas. “We all had a team that we coached. The first day her team was not aggressive and wasn’t clicking. By the last day where we actually played for a championship, her team was night and day. They had a great time, they bonded, they received her energy. It was super cool to be with her.”
Quinn served as the overall head coach and leader of the camp. She gave the players insight into what it takes to make it onto a college roster and what is needed in a professional player. “They really enjoyed the experience, and ultimately that is what we wanted to give them,” said Thomas.
It was clear to Thomas that the teenagers watched U.S. women’s college basketball and the WNBA. The talent level of the players was apparent, noting that it was obvious they worked on their games. “The push was playing basketball at a high level,” she said. “Here are the tools to do that. Here are the things you need to work on and be better at. … By the last day…at least a fourth of them were ready for an opportunity in the States.”
Thomas continues to rehab a torn ACL. She is spending the offseason at her alma mater, Duke University, doing rehab and working as a broadcast analyst for the ACC Network. She looks forward to returning to the court with the Sun in 2023.
This article was originally posted to Amsterdam News