I remember growing up and seeing a huge poster in my brother's room of the famous NBA player Michael Jordan, who played for the Chicago Bulls.

It was Elijah's pride and joy. It represented his dream to play basketball.

NBA players and coaches pose with the 60 participants of the 2009 Basketball Without Borders camp in Johannesburg, South Africa. Taurai Maduna/World Vision Report

Elijah had the huge sneakers and the baggy shorts and tight vest that local basketball players identified with. And let's not forget the hip-hop and rap music that is associated with the game. Sadly, his was just a dream. He never made it into playing as a professional. Elijah was passionate and I just wonder where he would be today if he had had the same opportunity that 60 young basketball players had.

The young players I am writing about were invited to participate in the Basketball Without Borders camp that recently took place in Johannesburg, South Africa.

At the training camp I attended, I could see the excitement of the young players — of not only rubbing shoulders with the NBA stars, but also an opportunity to ask them questions such as, "How do I become like you?" and, "What will it take for me to play in the NBA?"

Practice and hard work was one answer that most players uttered.

I asked Godwin Ikoshun from Nigeria, who was selected as one of the top five players in the camp, what it would take for him to play in the NBA. He simply answered by saying, "The NBA players do not have two heads. They are just like me and if they can do it, nothing can stop me."

I hope in a few years' time, with all the hard work that he puts in, Godwin will make it into the NBA. He has a good example to follow: his fellow countryman Hakeem Olajuwon, who has since retired.

That is the dream of a young African — to play in the NBA.

Listen to Taurai's story about the dream of basketball in Africa.