21st July 2026
Young basketball players at Black Prince Trust were given an unforgettable experience when NBA superstar Jayson Tatum made a surprise visit to the Trust to take part in a special basketball development day.
The event brought together U14 players from Brixton Topcats alongside a selected group of girls for a unique opportunity to learn from some of the very best in the game.
The session was led by renowned basketball skills coach Drew Hanlen, who has worked with Jayson Tatum throughout his development, as well as a number of other elite NBA players. The young athletes took part in high-level skills and development sessions, gaining valuable insight into the technical, physical and mental aspects of the game.
The day reached an incredible climax when Jayson Tatum himself made a surprise appearance. Tatum joined the young players on court, interacted with participants and supported Drew Hanlen during the coaching session.
For the young people involved, having an NBA superstar step onto the court at Black Prince Trust created a truly memorable experience and provided an opportunity to see first-hand what can be achieved through commitment, hard work and dedication to the game.
The wider impact on our community
While the visit was a special event, its impact extends far beyond a single day. Experiences like this demonstrate the opportunities that can be created through strong partnerships and the role basketball can play in raising aspirations among young people.
Our regular community sessions provide the foundation for this work, offering accessible opportunities for young people to participate, develop their skills, build confidence and engage positively through sport. Bringing elite players, coaches and organisations into that environment helps connect grassroots basketball with the wider basketball pathway.
The visit from Drew Hanlen and Jayson Tatum is a powerful example of how our partnerships can create opportunities that young people may never have imagined were possible.
For the participants, it wasn’t simply a basketball session. It was an opportunity to learn, be inspired and see what could be possible for them in the future.
It also reinforces the role Black Prince Trust can play as a hub that connects community basketball with the highest levels of the sport, creating meaningful experiences for the next generation.
