(FILES) In this file photo Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 30, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry will lead the fourth annual Jr. NBA Leadership Conference to be held virtually on May 15, the NBA announced Wednesday.
Joining the star-studded cast of speakers are award-winning ESPN analyst Doris Burke, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle, University of South Carolina women’s head coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Dawn Staley and former US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.
With the event happening online for the first time due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, fans from all over the world will be able to join the discussions with the game’s leaders and public health experts on topics related to the current state of youth sports.
“Like so many parts of the sports world, the youth basketball community has come together to assist one another during this challenging time, and we look forward to deepening the connection between youth coaches, families and the NBA and WNBA through this conference,” said David Krichavsky, the NBA senior vice president and head of Youth Development.
“We are excited to convene leaders from across the sports and public health sectors to lead meaningful and interactive conversations, discuss best practices in youth development particularly during times of uncertainty, and answer questions from basketball stakeholders around the world.”
The conference, which starts from 12 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. ET, will be hosted by another award-winning ESPN analyst in Jay Bilas.
It will be livestreamed on the NBA.com and Jr.NBA.com, the NBA App and on the NBA and Jr. NBA’s social media platforms and YouTube accounts.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver will deliver the opening remarks which will be followed by a series of conversations, audience Q&As and panel discussions, including a one-on-one talk between Curry and Burke.
A coaches roundtable will also be held to discuss the state of the game and ways to support young athletes during this time.
The roundtable will feature Carlisle, Staley, Rivers, Sacramento Kings assistant coach and former WNBA player Lindsey Harding, former WNBA player and Jackson County (Ga.) High School girls’ basketball head coach Christi Thomas and founder Brendan Winters of Pro Skills Basketball, a member of the Jr. NBA Flagship Network.
The event concludes with a 15-minute virtual, live basketball clinic demonstrating drills and exercises that boys and girls can complete at home and in limited space to stay active and develop their game in a safe and healthy way.
Launched in response to the coronavirus pandemic as part of NBA Together, Jr. NBA at Home is an interactive content series in which NBA and WNBA players help young players around the world stay active and connected to the game.