In light of eased tensions between the United States and Cuba in recent months, many expect an influx of baseball talent from the island nation.  There may also be some emerging basketball talent in the coming years if two former NBA All-Stars have a say.

Hall of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash have opened a basketball camp in Cuba this week.  The four-day camp at the University of Havana also has scores of NBA coaches and other pros there to train over 100 players.

Basketball probably ranks below sports like baseball and boxing in popularity among Cubans, but that did not stop the NBA from being the first American professional league to visit since détente was announced.  Cuba’s one main achievement on the hardcourt was a third place finish at the 1972 Olympics.

Mutombo has long been associated with goodwill trips like this that have spread the sport throughout the world.  The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation has provided countless resources to the Congo since 1997. 

The eight-time All-Star was a shot blocking force and awarded the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year trophy four times.  Mutombo ranks second in league history in career blocks. 

Nash is also an eight-time All-Star and a great humanitarian in his own right.  He was one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2006. 

Many credit Nash with actually opening Canada to basketball after his own improbably road to NBA fame.  He retired right before this current season started and ranks third all-time in assists.   

With their credentials both on and off the court, there are perhaps no two players better qualified to infuse Cuba with some basketball excitement. 

To inquire about Steve Nash or Dikembe Mutombo's speaking fees and appearance costs, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.

Nash and Mutombo Arrive in Cuba for Basketball Clinic: