PERTH, Australia — Australian basketball prodigy Alexander Dickeson capped a stellar performance at the 14th edition of the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia Camp by earning the prestigious boys’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The camp, held in Perth, marked the third time that FIBA and the NBA’s global development outreach program took place in Australia, following previous editions in Melbourne (2016) and Canberra (2022).
Dickeson’s MVP recognition came after four intense days of skills training, both on and off the court. The camp was part of the inaugural HoopsFest, a multi-day basketball event celebrating Australian basketball’s biggest weekend. HoopsFest brought fans and players together for competitions and interactive experiences.
Basketball legends Carmelo Anthony and Kenny Smith made a surprise visit to the BWB campers. Adding excitement to the event and sharing their invaluable experience with the young athletes.
The 2024 BWB Asia camp gathered 60 talented boys and girls from over 20 countries across Asia and the Pacific. The players received expert coaching and life lessons from NBA, WNBA, and FIBA legends. The coaching roster included NBA champion Aron Baynes and WNBA icon Cynthia Cooper. NBA assistant coaches such as Bobby Jackson (Philadelphia 76ers), Jay Larranaga (LA Clippers), and Terry Porter also provided guidance. World Association of Basketball Coaches President Patrick Hunt directed the camp, with Kristen Crenshaw (Orlando Magic) serving as athletic trainer.
BWB has an impressive track record of nurturing future basketball stars, with 41 former campers currently on 2023-24 NBA opening-night rosters. Notable alumni include Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls) and Josh Green (Charlotte Hornets), both former BWB Asia participants, as well as Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Since its inception in 2001, the BWB program has reached over 4,500 participants from 142 countries. With 127 former campers advancing to professional careers in the NBA or WNBA. BWB camps have reached 51 cities across 33 countries and six continents, reinforcing the program’s global impact.
In addition to his MVP accolade, Dickeson was crowned the boys’ 3-Point Champion. Fellow Australian Mading Kuany was named Defensive MVP, and Jordan’s Omar Hijazi received the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award.
Dickeson’s MVP performance at the BWB Asia Camp follows his participation in the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2024, where he averaged 5.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game for Australia.
BWB Asia camp officials named five Australians as All-Stars, including Dickeson, Kuany, Ajak Nyuon, Henry Sewell, and Sa Pilimai. New Zealand’s Hayden Jones and Troy Plumtree, along with Qatar’s Mohamed Ndao, joined them.
The BWB Asia Camp continues to serve as a vital platform for identifying and developing basketball talent from the region, with Alexander Dickeson emerging as one of the brightest stars of the 2024 edition.
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