On the eve of the 2017 NBA Playoffs, USA TODAY published an article of note, International icons: Foreign-born NBA players draw global playoff interest. According to the NBA, there are 54 international players, from 28 different countries, that will appear in this year's playoffs. The new initiative adds an additional layer to the NBA’s existing basketball development initiatives including the Jr. NBA, BWB and NBA Academies. A Baltimore, Maryland native, Atkins founded the Basketball Academy of Excellence after stints with PeacePlayers International and Miles & Associates International. “The NBA and its global programming provide a sense of hope.”As the first day of the 2017 NBA Playoffs comes to an end, there is no denying international players contribute greatly to the league’s successful global presence as a result of its international investments.

Source: Huffington Post April 16, 2017 01:41 UTC