INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Abdulla Mousa flew 16 hours from Doha, Qatar, to participate in last weekend’s Basketball Without Borders (BWB) camp at NBA All-Star Weekend, a journey that underscored his dedication to a burgeoning basketball career. The 17-year-ancient point guard had previously earned MVP honors at BWB Asia in Singapore in June, setting the stage for his opportunity in Los Angeles.
Mousa’s presence at the elite camp, which brought together 40 international players from 29 countries and territories, was a testament to the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development program. Players from the Dominican Republic, Australia, France, Italy, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Poland, and more converged in Inglewood, each vying for the attention of NBA scouts.
Despite being among the shortest players at the camp, standing at 6-foot-2, and representing one of the smaller participating nations – Qatar’s population is just over three million – Mousa approached the challenge with unwavering resolve. He saw the camp as a pivotal opportunity to be scouted and recognized on a larger stage.
The experience took on a particularly meaningful dimension when NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam visited the practice facility. Mousa, recognizing Siakam, a former BWB participant himself, felt a surge of inspiration. Siakam, who grew up in Douala, Cameroon, and was largely unknown when he attended BWB Africa in 2012, now stands as a four-time All-Star and NBA champion.
“I always get that feeling of just understanding exactly what they feel like. I know the journey,” Siakam said, reflecting on his connection with the young players. “I’m them, basically.” He emphasized the transformative power of BWB, noting that without the camp, his path to the NBA might never have materialized. Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Deni Avdija are among the 143 former BWB campers who have gone on to play in the NBA or WNBA.
Mousa, whose brother Hamad Mousa plays for Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and was an All-Star at the 2024 BWB Global camp, felt a sense of responsibility representing Qatar. “A kid from Qatar? No one expects me to be here,” he said. He acknowledged the need to prove himself, anticipating that his country of origin might not be immediately familiar to many. Their father, Yassin Mousa, is a prominent figure in Qatari basketball, having been invited to the 2000 Nike Hoop Summit and leading Qatar to a FIBA 3×3 world title in 2014. He currently serves as the GM of Al Rayyan club and Qatar’s 3×3 national teams.
The NBA’s investment in global basketball development extends beyond BWB. The league is actively working to expand its presence in the Middle East, viewing the region as a new frontier for grassroots infrastructure. This includes the planned launch of an NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi, which will serve as a hub for top prospects from the region and around the world, building on the success of the previous academy in Canberra, Australia. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted in October 2025 that basketball participation in Abu Dhabi had grown by 400 percent since 2022, with an additional 60 percent increase throughout the UAE and 50 percent across the Middle East.
Currently, 135 international players from a record-tying 43 countries are on NBA rosters, and international players have won four of the last seven Kia NBA MVP Awards. The NBA has also made significant investments in Africa, opening a state-of-the-art facility in Senegal in 2018 and establishing the Basketball Africa League.
Mousa’s performance at the BWB camp culminated in winning the 3-point contest. He hit 16 shots in the first round and 19 in the second, earning him a plaque and recognition among his peers. During the awards ceremony, he posed for photographers, a newfound confidence evident in his smile.
The experience extended beyond the court. Mousa connected with former NBA player Danilo Gallinari, a coach at the camp who had participated in BWB in 2003. He also had the opportunity to interact with NBA stars like Tyrese Maxey and Wembanyama during the NBA All-Star Game, further fueling his aspirations. Siakam’s presence served as a tangible example of the possibilities that BWB could unlock.
“Number 11,” a BWB camp coach called out, signaling Mousa’s turn in a drill. The camp atmosphere was characterized by a collaborative spirit, with players from diverse backgrounds supporting one another. Mousa’s leadership and positivity were noted by coaches, who saw in him the potential to excel. Khalid El-Amin, a camp coach and former professional player, praised Mousa’s tenacity and operate ethic.
As Mousa continues to pursue his basketball dreams, he carries with him the support of his family and the inspiration of those who have paved the way before him. He envisions a future where he, too, can inspire the next generation of Qatari basketball players.
