Ottawa girl travelling to NBA All-Star weekend for Basketball Without Borders Camp

By Mike Vlasveld

Posted Feb 7, 2020 04:02:00 PM.

This article is more than 5 years old.

Ottawa's Merissah Russell is set to rub elbows with some of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) elite, as she'll be flying to Chicago for the sixth annual Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global Camp.

Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri will be one of four camp directors at NBA All-Star weekend, February 14 to 16, while Toronto Raptor and NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam will be one of four NBA players coaching the top high school-age campers from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe.

Russell, an NBA Academy prospect, is among the top 64 boys and girls from 34 countries and regions travelling to Chicago for the special camp.

Players and coaches are expected to lead the campers through a variety of activities on and off the court, including movement efficiency, skill development stations, shooting and skills competitions, 5-on-5 games, and life skills seminars focusing on health, leadership and communication. The final day will feature a single-elimination tournament, culminating with the boys and girls championship games.

The campers will then attend State Farm All-Star Saturday Night and the 69th NBA All-Star Game at United Center.

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