Maltese basketball coach Ruben Baldacchino recently returned from Greensboro, North Carolina, following an invitation from USA Select, an organisation that forms part of the AAU basketball network in the United States.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen basketball links between Malta and the United States while also promoting Malta as an emerging destination for international sports tourism.

During his stay, Baldacchino visited the impressive facilities of Wake Forest University, one of the top NCAA Division I institutions in the United States. He met members of the university’s coaching staff and exchanged ideas on player development, coaching methodologies, student-athlete career pathway and the American collegiate basketball system.

Baldacchino was also invited to coach and evaluate players during a high-level exposure camp organised by USA Select. The camp brought together talented athletes who had recently completed their university careers and were seeking opportunities to launch their professional basketball careers.

The event concluded with a competitive tournament featuring players and coaches from across the United States and Europe. Coaching one of the participating teams, Baldacchino guided his side to the championship game before narrowly losing the final 56-51.

Several highly respected coaches attended the event, including NCAA Division I coaches, European national team coaches and other experienced basketball professionals. The experience provided valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration at an international level.

Speaking after the event, Baldacchino described the visit as a rewarding professional experience that will contribute positively to the continued development of basketball in Malta while strengthening international partnerships within the sport.

The trip concluded with a major boost for Maltese basketball, as four American teams officially confirmed their participation in the upcoming Elite Basketball Tournament Malta, scheduled for 7–11 September. The tournament, now in its sixth edition, continues to grow in international stature and will welcome teams from the United States, the United Kingdom and Malta, further establishing the event as one of the leading international pre-season basketball showcases in the region.