DUBAI – Stryx Sports FZ-LLC, the United Arab Emirate’s leading sports provider, today named former professional player and NBA scout Jacques Vandescure as the new Technical Director of the NBA Basketball School Dubai, a tuition-based basketball development program for young boys and girls ages 6-18 years old.

The NBA Basketball School Dubai, operated by Stryx Sports, tips off on Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park and Swiss International Scientific School, Al Jaddaf.  The comprehensive curriculum will include bi-weekly on court training, strength and conditioning, and basketball education under the direction of NBA Basketball School coaching staff.

With limited spaces available, players can register and find out more information by visiting: uae.nbabasketballschool.com

Vandescure spent the past two years at The NBA Academy India in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) as the player development coach before being promoted to Technical Director. He has also worked extensively across Europe and Africa, including at Basketball Without Borders Africa, helping to grow the game at the grassroots and elite levels.  His playing career saw him play NCAA Division I basketball at Winthrop University before playing professionally in Belgium and representing Belgium at the men’s senior level.  Following his playing career, Vandescure became an international scout for the San Antonio Spurs, winning an NBA Championship in 2014.

“I’m excited to join the NBA Basketball School Dubai.  With so much untapped potential, it will be an honor to help shape the game’s future here,” said Vandescure.  “Our aim is to develop young talent whilst providing world-class coaching and training that will encourage young players to follow their dreams as basketball players and as individuals.”

As Technical Director, Vandescure will drive the strategy and training programs designed to provide the resources and coaching to develop young players from Dubai.

The NBA and Stryx Sports recently held two camps at the NBA Basketball School in Dubai for more than 300 children.  Following the initial camp in March, Sarah ElGamal and Nadim Smaira, both from the UAE, were selected to participate in the Jr. NBA Global Championship Europe and Middle East Selection Camp in Bologna, Italy.

The NBA Basketball School curriculum, which is designed to develop players and provide parents, coaches and organizations a better understanding of the process for continued improvement, has been developed by the NBA’s Elite Basketball Development team in consultation with current and former NBA coaches, NBA players, and player development experts.  The initiative adds an additional layer to the NBA’s existing basketball development efforts, including the Jr. NBA, Basketball Without Borders (BWB) and NBA Academies.  More information about the NBA Basketball School program can be found by visiting nbaacademy.nba.com/nba-basketball-school.