Basketball stakeholders and other interest groups gathered on Monday to witness the unveiling of a new basketball court by Giants of Africa (GOA), a non-profit organisation co-founded by Dallas Mavericks President Masai Ujiri, at King's College, Lagos. This court, the 50th built by GOA in African communities, marks a significant milestone in the organisation's ambitious pledge to construct 100 courts across the continent.
The milestone launch of the 50th basketball court under the GOA "Built Within" initiative was celebrated in grand style, combining basketball, music, and entertainment to deliver a memorable experience for pupils, parents, and community members. The newly completed modern basketball facility, situated within the school grounds on Lagos Island, represents a key part of GOA's goal of promoting youth development through sports.
The court was built by Webber Engineering, whose Chief Executive Officer, Babalola, is a former basketball player turned sports entrepreneur. Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Ujiri described the occasion as a moment of fulfilment in the organisation's journey to empower young Africans through basketball.
"It's a thing of joy and fulfilment to have the 50th court in our mission of providing 100 courts around Africa," Ujiri said. "The Giants of Africa is also happy to have this court situated within this historic school, King's College Lagos. I remember when I was asked how fast we would get to fifty; we got to fifty now. You know that's part of the journey. Ten in Nigeria, hopefully we'll go to other parts of Nigeria. We are really excited about this."
The principal of King's College expressed appreciation to Giants of Africa and the old students of the school, particularly the 1982–1988 set, for supporting the project and helping to make the dream a reality. He urged students to take advantage of the opportunities basketball provides, emphasising that the game teaches discipline, teamwork, determination, and goal-setting.
Also speaking at the event, President of the King's College Old Boys Association, Dr. Owodipe, expressed delight that a decade-long dream of having a modern basketball court in the school had finally been achieved. Beyond the court handover, the delegation reinforced its commitment to gender equity in sport by hosting a women's basketball coaching clinic. Elite coaches with experience in the United States, Canada, and Europe equipped female coaches with practical skills, resources, and mentorship, advancing GOA's wider mission of empowering women and girls through leadership and community engagement.
A youth basketball clinic followed the ceremony, bringing together 50 boys and girls from King's College and Queen's College. Led by local coaches and GOA's own staff, the session underscored the organisation's dedication to youth development and creating opportunity through sport.
