Chatting with Legends at Costa Navarino’s NBA Basketball School

Edited by Paulina Björk Kapsalis

All summer, the thumping of basketballs being dribbled across the court can be heard as you walk around Navarino Dunes, Costa Navarino. Laughter and cheer go with it, as young ballers attending the destination’s three-to-seven-day NBA Basketball School programs learn to improve their game, coached by elite coaches.

These camp programs are part of the NBA’s first collaboration of its kind with a privately-owned hospitality and sports destination in Europe. The school curriculum, designed for kids and teenagers aged 6-18 as well as adults, has been developed by the NBA’s International Basketball Operations department in consultation with both current and former NBA coaches, players, and player development specialists. Throughout the season, various NBA legends also arrive at the school to meet with the young players and teach special basketball clinics.

We took the opportunity to chat with two of them, former NBA player and 2004 Olympic gold medalist Luis Scola (Argentina), and former WNBA player and Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Ticha Penicheiro (Portugal), who visited Costa Navarino this month to mark the commencement of the season.

Costa Navarino has evolved into a sports tourism destination of international caliber, combining state of the art facilities, specialized training staff, and opportunities to practice and enjoy a multitude of sports. Can you please comment on what you’ve seen and experienced so far here?

Ticha: Costa Navarino is an amazing place to play sports as it offers a variety of elements that are all combined in one space that delivers quality and comfort. You don’t even have to leave the resort to make this camp a great success, which helps maximize our time.

Luis: I was actually very surprised by the facilities. It’s my first time here and I think it’s a beautiful place. Also, you can really do basketball events there, which makes it a unique destination for camps, summer programs, and even year-round training.

Have you participated in other camps similar to this one?

Ticha: Yes, I have participated at similar NBA summer camps and NBA basketball schools for juniors all over the world, and I can honestly say that this facility has all the ingredients needed to be a top destination for events like this – from the facilities, to the weather, to the amazing staff.

Luis: There are a lot of NBA camps around the world, and some of them are especially good. This one in particular is very nice due to its incredible location.

Luis, one of the greatest achievements of your impressive career, the 2004 Olympic Gold Medal, took place in Greece. Do you feel connected to our country somehow, and have you been here since?

Luis: I do feel very connected to Athens, as this was the city where I took an important step in my career. Also, Athens is a great basketball city that has seen some of the best battles over the years. So, yes, and I always enjoy coming back.

The standing ovation you received at your final game with the Argentina National Team at the 2020 Summer Olympics was one of the most moving basketball moments in recent memory. Is it difficult for a champion of your status to get used to a life close to their beloved sport, but no longer on the front line?

Luis: It was a very emotional moment for me as I’m sure such moments are for every player that retires. But this is the way life goes. I am enjoying my life after basketball. Sometimes I miss it, but most of the time I am ok.

Ticha, women’s basketball has come a very long way since you entered the sport. Could you have predicted this amazing change at the beginning of your career, and how does it make you feel?

Ticha: I always hoped for growth, and for the women’s game to be recognized as it is now. It actually took longer than I expected, as I know we have put in a lot of work and have delivered a great product for many years. That said, I’m extremely happy the world is finally giving it the recognition it deserves.

You have pointed out that it’s important for young girls to have female role models in sport. How big is the responsibility to be one of these role models, and what are the main messages you want to pass on to the younger generation?

Ticha: It’s a big responsibility that I take very seriously. It’s important for young girls to know that they can be anything they aspire to be. I always encourage them to dream big and work extremely hard for those dreams to become reality.

How do you both approach young players of different ages and skills?

Luis: Each age group and level require a different approach. Very young and amateur players should be trained with the purpose to entertain and have fun, while more ambitious players should be trained to reach their maximum potential.

Ticha: There are different approaches based on their age, gender, and skill level, so you must adjust accordingly. The most important thing is to be nice and friendly, and to make them feel comfortable so they can be themselves. It’s also good to remind them that, once upon a time, you were also in their shoes.

What is the first and most important lesson you choose to teach them?

Ticha: The most important lesson is to have fun, to learn more about the game, and to enjoy the experience, but also for them to understand that if they really love basketball, they must be committed, spend the necessary time, and dedicate themselves to be great at it.

Luis: Just to work hard. Everything falls into place if you do.

Is the overall experience enjoyable and rewarding for you?

Luis: Yes, very.

Ticha: Any experiences like this are very rewarding, especially because I never had these opportunities when I was their age. So, as much as the kids enjoy it, I enjoy it as we

Last but not least, have you had the chance to relax and enjoy your time at Costa Navarino? Can we expect to welcome you again in the future?

Luis: Yes, I would like to come back in the future for a vacation!

Ticha: I truly enjoyed my stay here and hope I will be back again – if not for a camp, then for vacation. It’s a beautiful, relaxing place with incredible staff and facilities… and the food is amazing, too!

To celebrate the return of the summer program this year, a special event on June 25 will welcome nine-time NBA All-Star and Greek League Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins to Costa Navarino’s NBA Basketball School. Additionally, from June 30 to August 17, participants will have the exclusive opportunity to learn from former NBA player and first-round draft pick Michael Bradley, who joins as the camp director.

The camp programs are designed for young players ages 6-18, while adults can also participate in daily one-hour sessions. All participants receive an NBA branded t-shirt upon registration, and participants who attend the full camp (six or seven days) receive an NBA Basketball School certificate and a special gift.

For more information about the NBA Basketball School and its weekly curriculum, visit here.