Dejan Kamenyashevich, the general manager of Dubai Basketball Club, recently shared his vision for the development of the basketball project in Dubai. He stressed that the club is taking a unique approach, choosing not to replicate the models of big football clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) or Manchester City. Instead, they are focusing on establishing a distinct identity in the sporting landscape.
Kamenyashevich said: “This project is unique. We had many opportunities to acquire teams from the EuroLeague or the Adriatic League, but we chose not to follow this path. This decision reflects a strategic choice to build a sustainable basketball culture rather than simply follow in the footsteps of other successful sports franchises.
He went on to explain the club’s philosophy, saying: “We are not striving to be like PSG or Manchester City in football. While we could have created a basketball league in Dubai and attracted the best players, like Saudi Arabia has done in football, we have chosen a different path. This underlines a commitment to nurturing local talent and developing a grassroots basketball programme that focuses on community engagement and long-term growth.
Kamenyashevich’s vision appears to be focused on creating a vibrant basketball ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots up. Eschewing the quick approach of signing top international players, the club aims to cultivate a competitive environment that can thrive sustainably. This could involve investing in youth programs, local leagues and partnerships with schools to inspire the next generation of basketball players in Dubai.
Additionally, by positioning itself differently, Dubai Basketball Club is looking to carve out a niche for itself in the increasingly competitive sports market in the Middle East. The region has seen a surge in interest in basketball, and the club aims to capitalise on this trend by offering a fresh perspective on how the sport can be developed in the region.
In conclusion, Dejan Kamenyashevich’s ideas for the Dubai basketball project reflect a thoughtful and strategic approach to the development of the sport. By emphasizing a unique identity and focusing on local talent, Dubai Basketball Club stands out from other clubs that rely on star power. As they continue to develop their program, it will be interesting to see how this philosophy translates into success on the court and how it contributes to the broader growth of basketball in the region. The basketball community will undoubtedly be watching closely as Dubai makes its way into the world of professional sports.
