Nike Sponsors Educational Basketball Summer '26 at Rowe Park
Rowe Park in Yaba, Lagos, will host the Educational Basketball Summer '26 tournament from July 31 to August 2, with sportswear giant Nike as the major sponsor. The three-day event aims to revive the historic outdoor court as a premier destination for grassroots basketball development in Nigeria.
Founders' Vision: Restoring a Legendary Court
Educational Basketball, founded by brothers Oluwatobilaiyemi (Olutobi) and Iseoluwapolaiyemi (Iseolupo) Adepitan, believes Rowe Park has the potential to join the ranks of iconic global basketball courts. "Certain courts worldwide should be on everyone's bucket list to play and become the best at. We see that desire there. It's really all about who wants to be the best," the founders explained.
The Adepitan brothers bring experience from training at John Lucas Enterprises in Houston, Texas, where NBA greats Hakeem Olajuwon and Moses Malone once practised. "We practiced at the very same gym with Lucas in Houston that Hakeem used to play against Moses Malone. The gym is called The Fonde. Super legendary gym. You were not allowed unless you were ready to be serious," they recalled.
Tournament Details and Community Impact
The tournament will gather Nigeria's top young basketball talents for elite competition. Beyond the games, a coaches' conference will provide instructional teaching to improve local coaching standards. "Using our platform to bring visibility is what will help the game. Anyway we can help grow the game the right way, we will do it," the organisers said.
Player safety has been prioritised with Kasi Healthcare providing on-site medical support and ambulances. "Yes, absolutely. Kasi Healthcare will be on ground as well as ambulances for emergency protocols. We will ensure premier safety for all involved," Educational Basketball confirmed.
Rowe Park: Nigeria's Rucker Park
Veteran coach Lai Alimi, widely known as Coach Mancini, drew parallels between Rowe Park and New York's renowned Rucker Park. "Rowe Park is regarded as the hotbed of basketball in Lagos and can be likened to the famous Rucker Park in New York, with a rich history and tradition," he said. He added that the tournament strengthens grassroots development and creates a platform for international visibility through social media and livestreaming.
Pathway to Overseas Opportunities
For many Nigerian players, earning a basketball scholarship abroad remains the ultimate goal. Educational Basketball's existing network already facilitates such pathways. When asked about the tournament's role as a launchpad, founder Olutobi stated, "I wouldn't say potentially as our pipeline speaks for itself, but at the same time this thing will always come down to the performance and attitudes of the athletes."
Coach Mancini emphasised the global reach of the event: "The world is a global village and this tournament can be watched from different parts of the world. Coaches, scouts, and managers are usually on the look-out for talented players, and this tournament creates a platform for international visibility for the players."
A New Chapter for Nigerian Basketball
With basketball gaining momentum through digital platforms and international scouting, Educational Basketball Summer '26 represents a significant step in revitalising Rowe Park. The event promises three days of elite competition, coaching, and player development, re-establishing the court as a hub for Nigeria's future basketball stars.
