Nigerian basketball star Michael Eric is set to continue his mission of developing young talents with the latest edition of his Top 50 Elite Basketball Camp, scheduled to take place in Lagos on July 24 under the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation.
The initiative, founded by the D’Tigers assistant captain in memory of his late father, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and assistant coach Joe Erico, is designed to provide aspiring basketball players with access to quality training, mentorship and opportunities that could shape their future careers.
Speaking during a press conference at the Airport Golden Tulip Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, Eric said the idea behind the programme came from his desire to create opportunities for young Nigerians who share his passion for basketball but lack access to structured development platforms.
The Mushin-born basketball player explained that his personal journey inspired him to support others who may not have had similar opportunities.
“The journey became doing it not just for me, but for those who wanted to do this but could not. So hearing many stories stayed with me to think of doing something for Nigerian youths, not just with basketball but mentorship and impacting the next generation.”
From reluctant athlete to professional basketball player
Eric’s rise in basketball was unexpected, as he did not begin his early years focused on the sport.
Raised in a family where academics were strongly emphasised, he spent much of his childhood concentrating on education at the encouragement of his father, Joe Erico, who represented Nigeria at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations and later worked as an assistant coach with the Super Eagles during their qualification campaign for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
His path changed after a teenage growth spurt and a visit to the United States to see his elder brother, Stephen, who encouraged him to pursue basketball.
That decision eventually led Eric to Temple University in Philadelphia on a scholarship before he earned a professional opportunity with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013.
His journey from Lagos to the highest levels of basketball has become part of the inspiration behind the foundation’s work.
Foundation combines basketball with life skills
The programme director of the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation, Gbenga Jetawo, said the basketball camp has been running successfully for five years, with Eric personally funding the initiative.
He explained that the foundation focuses not only on developing players’ technical abilities but also on building character, discipline and confidence among young participants.
“We train them in basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them. We don’t stop in basketball, and if we see the kids have interest in other things, we encourage them to chase it as well.”
Jetawo disclosed that the foundation has trained more than 1,000 children, with some participants eventually securing scholarships abroad through the opportunities created by the programme.
According to him, the upcoming Top 50 Elite Basketball Camp will feature 50 young players and their coaches selected from different basketball academies across Nigeria.
The participants will undergo intensive drills and training sessions designed to improve their understanding of the game while exposing them to international basketball standards.
The foundation will provide approximately 200 pairs of shoes, jerseys and other sporting equipment, while the most outstanding players will be considered for sponsorship opportunities or trials with clubs in Europe.
Coaches promise an engaging development experience
Head coach Chris Nomigo, who will lead the technical team at the event, described the one-day camp as an opportunity to identify talent while ensuring participants enjoy the learning process.
He said the programme would combine technical instruction with an enjoyable atmosphere that encourages young athletes to continue developing their skills beyond the event.
“It is going to be fun most especially. Whatever you do without having fun will not be worthwhile. It is a one-day thing, so it will be a crash course, but we do our best to keep in contact with the kids so keeping it continuous helps that they all get a chance and impact.”
Nomigo added that maintaining relationships with participants after the camp remains important to ensuring long-term growth and development.
Education remains key part of foundation’s vision
Beyond basketball, Eric emphasised the importance of education as a central pillar of the foundation’s mission.
The former Temple University student, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications in 2012, said academic development gives young athletes additional confidence and opportunities beyond sport.
“Education is very important. You can learn many things in school, but education goes beyond that. Basketball is a tool to improve your life but when you are also educated, you can walk into different rooms with confidence, communicate effectively, and create opportunities for yourself beyond sports.”
He explained that the foundation aims to help young athletes understand that sporting ability and education can work together to create broader opportunities.
Long-term goal is Nigerian basketball academy
The Erico Sports Legacy Foundation said its long-term ambition is to establish a fully developed basketball academy in Nigeria with international partnerships and sponsorship support.
The organisation also hopes to produce players capable of reaching the highest levels of professional basketball, including the NBA, while continuing to monitor and support athletes who participate in its programmes.
Through initiatives such as the Top 50 Elite Basketball Camp, Eric hopes to create a sustainable pathway for young Nigerian players to develop their skills, gain exposure and pursue opportunities that were once beyond their reach.