“The NBA coming to Abu Dhabi is great for the game of basketball”

Shaquille O’Neal says the chance to see the likes of Trae Young and Giannis Antetokounmpo in action will help spark the interest of a new generation of UAE basketball fans.

The four-time NBA champion will visit the UAE in his capacity 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi Games Ambassadorit sees Atlanta Hawks vs. 2021 NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks In two pre-season games at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island on 6 and 8 October.

The Eagles have two-time NBA All-Star Trae Young, while the Bucks could draft two-time NBA MVP Antetokounmpo next week.

Born in Athens to Nigerian parents, power forward Antetokounmpo is widely known as the “Greek Freak” for his size, speed, strength and ball-handling skills.

Former Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal believes the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the league’s overseas stars can inspire young people to follow their dreams of playing in the NBA.

“It’s a good thing for the game of basketball that the NBA is coming to Abu Dhabi. The league is truly global, and some of the best players in the world have come from outside the United States,” O’Neal commented on NBA Abu Dhabi 2022 Athletic Impact said it was part of a multi-year partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi.

“Bringing players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trae Young overseas and getting local kids to watch it up close will only spark their interest in the sport. It will definitely help nurture the next generation of talent and get more countries involved in this game. sport.”

Eagles and Bucks Meeting in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, the Bucks go on to win their first NBA championship in 50 years.

O’Neal, who will be participating in youth development programmes and interacting with local fans during the game week, said no one should be fooled into thinking the team could easily get along in Abu Dhabi.

“The preseason is very important, especially for the young players and the new members of each team,” he added.

“Also, there are repetitive games with your teammates in training camp every day, so at any time you can simulate real in-game situations with other players, which is valuable. These guys are going to put on a show for the people of Abramovich. Than, that’s exactly what they did.”

Updated: September 29, 2022 at 8:12 am