AGE NEWS – On Friday, April 18th 2025, Ball with US was held at the Universitas Airlangga Amphitheater Basketball Court. Ball with US was designed as a community-driven event engaged with light-hearted conversation and interactive session with inspirational guest speakers. Aimed to be a shared space of connection, this event has a purpose to create a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for anyone seeking inspiration and meaningful moments through basketball sports. In today’s special session, the American Corner featured Frederico. Not just any basketball player—he took a place on Universitas Airlangga’s main basketball team and managed to lead the team into a runner-up position at national student league. On top of that, Frederico was an East Java representative that competes at the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL), representing Pacific Caesar.
Talking about basketball, we can’t separate it from America—the very birthplace of the sport and a nation where basketball is more than just a game. This session introduces the development of basketball through years in the United States. It embodies core American values such as perseverance, teamwork, individuality, and the pursuit of excellence. From neighborhood courts to the global stage of the NBA, basketball reflects the American spirit: bold, competitive, and deeply community-oriented.
Frederico especially shared his heartfelt moments admiring American basketball while dreaming that one day he could play for the National Basket Association (NBA). The world of American basketball brought a lot of motivation for Frederico pursuing his dream in the field of basketball. More than just a spectacle, basketball served as a powerful source of inspiration for him to keep practicing and uphold his skills. Through this session, we were reminded that basketball is more than just a game. It is a universal language, a space where people come together, connect through shared passion, and inspire one another across boundaries.
By the end of this session, all the guests were invited to play a basketball game with Frederico. It was an honor yet exciting experience for all participants to enjoy a game with Frederico–a professional basketball player. They practically learn skills and gain new insights in the world of basketball. The event attracted approximately 10 basketball enthusiasts from many backgrounds. The session concluded with an energetic and memorable game that not only brought participants closer to the sport but also highlighted the unifying power of American basketball to inspire, connect, and uplift.
