Toronto Raptors: 4 takeaways from Masai Ujiri’s conference call

4) The future of the Giants of Africa Foundation

The Giants of Africa foundation is a big deal, as it is used to educate and enhance the lives of Africans youths. Every summer since 2003, Ujiri’s Giants of Africa has travelled around the African continent and held camps for young boys and girls between 15 and 19.

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However, the likelihood is that Ujiri will have to cancel this year’s camps. Similarly, the inaugural GOA Festival planned for mid-August to celebrate basketball, education and culture will probably have to be postponed.

Ujiri is still holding out hope that something can be arranged. As reported by Michael Grange of Sportsnet, he said:

"“I think GOA it’s really one of those things, those events, that I’m hoping it’s a feel-good event.… We take time to plan but I think coming out of this there’s always something small or something to do to give people hope, to give youth hope.”"

This was somewhat surprising to hear, until you had more context in terms of Ujiri’s thinking. As per CBC, he said:

"“I think Africa has been resilient and handled it well. I think a lot of leaders are ahead of it and the ones that aren’t are starting to pay attention because this is an unknown, this is an unseen enemy and we have to really, really pay attention.”"

There is no denying Ujiri has a lot of passion for a foundation which has done a lot of good for underprivileged youths in Africa. However, if push comes to shove, even here you know he will do the right thing if the virus is still prevalent come summertime.

What was your main takeaway from Ujiri’s conference call on Wednesday? Are you confident the Toronto Raptors will be able to sign Nurse to a contract extension? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.