The defensive standout joins NBA legends in Istanbul to mentor 80 elite prospects, helping shape the next generation of global talent at this inaugural developmental showcase.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs will take on a coaching role at the inaugural Basketball Without Borders Next Up camp in Istanbul, Türkiye, joining a group of current and former NBA stars and coaches helping develop some of the world's top young basketball prospects.
The NBA and FIBA announced Wednesday that the men's BWB Next Up camp will take place Aug. 26-29 at Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi in Istanbul. The event will bring together 80 of the top male high school-age prospects from around the world for four days of skill development, athletic testing, 3-on-3 competitions, 5-on-5 games and life-skills programming.
Suggs, who earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors during the 2023-24 season, will be among the coaches working directly with the next generation of international talent. He will be joined by Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, NBA legend Vlade Divac, former NBA player Danilo Gallinari, 2021 NBA champion Brook Lopez and three-time All-Star Khris Middleton.
The camp marks a new format for Basketball Without Borders and comes during the program's 25th anniversary. Istanbul will host the event for the third time after previously holding BWB Europe camps in 2002 and 2008.
BWB Next Up will feature annual men's and women's camps designed to identify and develop the top young prospects from outside the United States. The top performers will have an opportunity to advance to BWB All-Star camps held around NBA and WNBA All-Star events.
For Suggs, the opportunity adds another chapter to his growing role in basketball development while allowing the Magic guard to work with some of the best young international prospects in the world.
Orlando Magic Roundtable writer Don Strouble recently pointed out how a growing relationship on the Magic could strongly benefit them next season.
How the Relationship Between Paolo Banchero, Sean Sweeney Will Benefit Magic:
"The Orlando Magic have an opportunity to take their playoff aspirations to the next level under new head coach Sean Sweeney in the upcoming 2026-27 season, but it will take work.
It will also take a superstar showing by the franchise’s superstar, Paolo Banchero.
In his first four seasons, we have gotten flashes of how great Banchero can be, but the 23-year-old has also had points that inspired less confidence, too. Last season, Banchero averaged 22.2 points through 72 games, which was his lowest scoring average since his rookie season, and there were times when he looked slow and indecisive.
That type of accountability by a young star is good, and it is those kinds of intangibles that will help him take another step as the face of this team. It will also be up to Sweeney, too, and the type of messaging and approach he brings."
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
