Scotland’s National Performance Centre was the perfect stage to host the first ever Jr. NBA basketballscotland League Finals on Saturday 9th December as weeks of intense basketball action across Primary Schools in Edinburgh came to a conclusion.
With former NBA player and NBA Europe Ambassador, Vladimir Radmanovic on hand to join in the Finals celebrations, there was lots at stake for the youngsters representing the Golden State Warriors Liberton and Boston Celtics Bonaly.
Two of @Caledonia_Pride’s biggest fans in attendance at @Oriamscotland this afternoon 😜
Now he has the kit, it’s time to get @NBA Legend Vladimir Radmanovic a 🏴 passport for @GC2018 👀 pic.twitter.com/0v5ffcG2AY
— basketballscotland (@basketballscot) December 9, 2017
Bleachers full, music and introductions complete, it was time to get on with the Finals action as the Golden State Warriors Liberton raced out in front with some lovely skill and teamwork on display. Not to be deterred, the Boston Celtics Bonaly rallied together to keep the game close which made for a great atmosphere with parents of both sides cheering on their teams.
It was the Golden State Warriors who eventually ran out winners as they were crowned 2017 Jr. NBA basketballscotland League Champions.
As well as the Finals, the NBA also worked with some of Scotland’s hardest to reach children through the delivery of an NBA Cares Clinic at Tynecastle High School which was also a huge success.
Check out the highlights from Friday’s NBA Cares clinic below:
📹VIDEO📹
It’s Day 1 of our @jrnba celebrations and today our Edinburgh @CashBackScot Schools of Basketball were treated to an @nbacares Coaching Clinic from @NBA legend Vladimir Radmanovic.
Catch up on all of the action ⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/wxhdwIx5of
— basketballscotland (@basketballscot) December 8, 2017
Working in partnership with the NBA, basketballscotland has been able to grow the game at grass roots level and the impact of the Jr. NBA basketballscotland League in Edinburgh is already being felt.
The Jr. NBA has already had a huge impact on the Indiana Pacers Pentland who did not have a basketball club at the school:
