The Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek (DHPS), alongside the Basketball Artists School (BAS) Foundation and OTB, is having an OTB Basketball Camp from 3 to 5 April in Windhoek.

The camp aims to empower, educate, and inspire, and to create a positive, structured environment where young players can develop their basketball skills while building confidence, discipline, and teamwork. 

The camp also serves as a fundraising initiative for the Basketball Artists School (BAS) to support their ongoing youth development programs.

Director of the camp, Malakia Matias, said that through the collaboration between BAS, DHPS and OTB, they want to give young players in Windhoek the opportunity to experience high-quality training, fun competition and a supportive community atmosphere over three days. 

“The camp helps bring the basketball community together, empowering both players and young coaches, while encouraging more young people to participate in school basketball leagues, contributing to the growth of the sport in Namibia,” said Matias.

The camp is open to all skill levels, with players grouped by age and ability. Beginners will learn the fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, and shooting, while more advanced players will focus on game situations, decision-making, and higher-level skills. 

“On the court, we focus on technical basketball skills such as ball handling, shooting, teamwork and game understanding. But equally important are the life skills we promote: discipline, communication, confidence, leadership and respect. Every practice is a life skill,’ emphasised Matias.

The camp will include a 3×3 tournament that brings energy with its fast pace and allows players to be creative and competitive. There will also be a parents vs kids match, which will allow families to be part of the experience and create a fun atmosphere where everyone can laugh and enjoy the game together.

According to Matias, initiatives like these are extremely important in creating opportunities for young players to access structured training and positive mentorship, and to foster friendships. “Basketball in Namibia has great potential, but development programs like camps help build the next generation of players, coaches, and leaders. It also strengthens the basketball community,” he said.

This is the ninth camp BAS is hosting, proving to be a working model and part of a broader vision to expand basketball development opportunities for young people and coaches.  -hnalupe@nepc.com.na