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2026 NBA Draft shines light on Basketball Without Borders' impact
Five Basketball Without Borders alums hear their names called in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.Jerry Donatien, for NBA.com
June 25, 2026 11:58 PM
Christian Anderson won Big 12 Most Improved Player and carried Texas Tech to the Sweet 16 this past season. More international players came flooding into the NBA after the 2026 NBA Draft featured 14 players across a few different countries. What helped some of these international prospects stand out was the Basketball Without Borders program, which had numerous players selected: Aday Mara (12th overall, Oklahoma City Thunder), Hannes Steinbach (14th, Charlotte Hornets), Christian Anderson (18th overall, Charlotte Hornets), Sergio de Larrea (25th overall, Dallas Mavericks), and Jack Kayil (39th overall, Houston Rockets).
What is Basketball Without Borders?
The BWB is a developmental camp for international prospects all over the world to come learn and hone their skills while getting more exposure. It’s reached thousands of participants across Europe, Asia and Africa. Over 140 players have gone on to be drafted or signed by NBA or WNBA teams.
BWB helped elevate Aday Mara’s game
Mara had high praise for BWB and how it helped him in his journey to the NBA when asked about minutes after being drafted. Mara participated in two BWB camps where he was named an All-Star in both camps in 2022 & 2023. “If you go there it means you’re one of the best players outside the US,” Mara said. “Being from Spain was maybe a little bit harder, where they had to use international scouts, so being there in person is great. Also you get a feel for how the NBA works. I think Basketball Without Borders is great for international players.”
OKC's 12th overall pick Aday Mara on his experience with Basketball Without Borders! "I think it's great for international players." pic.twitter.com/cE4xtLETJg — NBA (@NBA) June 24, 2026
The exposure from BWB helped Mara end up on the radar of scouts at the collegiate level. He landed at UCLA for his first two years, but transferred to Michigan for the 2025-26 season and captured a National championship.
BWB representation front & center
Mara’s comments on the BWB’s impact likely had similar impacts for the other former attendees that heard their name called by Adam Silver Tuesday & Wednesday night. They managed to leverage that global exposure into what can be long, fruitful NBA careers.
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