Remy Ndiaye’s journey from his native West Africa to the coaching ranks of the NBA has taken him around the world. This weekend, he’s bringing a heavy dose of Miami “Heat culture” back to a place he considers home — Topeka.
Ndiaye, who serves as a player development specialist and NBA Summer League coach for the Miami Heat, is holding his inaugural co-ed “Elite Basketball Clinic” at the Topeka High School gymnasium on Saturday.
“I’m excited to bring my experience to Topeka and can’t wait to see the impact this clinic has on local youth,” Ndiaye said in a press release.
Ndiaye has strong ties to the Topeka community, where his host family resides, and he returns each summer to visit. He said he’s been eyeing a summer clinic for several years and ultimately realized that Topeka would be the perfect locale.
The first session, for third through eighth-graders, is slated for 9-11 a.m. The second session, for high school and college-aged students, runs from 1-3 p.m.
While advanced registration is encouraged, clinic organizers said that day-of walk-ins will also be accepted.
The clinic, Ndiaye said, will stress basketball fundamentals — while also emphasizing the importance of physical conditioning, accountability, teamwork, and mental toughness.
“Developing elite basketball skills is about so much more than playing a game,” Ndiaye said. “Sports can change lives by teaching resilience, teamwork, and confidence.”
Ndiaye plans to cap the clinic with a question-and-answer session dubbed “Bleacher Talk.” The forum will offer further insight into the “habits, mindset, and work ethic required to compete at the highest levels of basketball.”
Topeka ties
Ndiaye came to the United States from Dakar, Senegal, as a member of an international program that blends “education and basketball to develop the next generation of African leaders.”
Monique Pittman-Lui, his host mom and a member of The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated — the basketball clinic’s sponsor — said that “many people have given Remy opportunities” during his journey that led him to the NBA.
Ndiaye now wants to reciprocate that kindness for local youth.
As part of Ndiaye’s upcoming clinic, he’s asking that participants donate a book that’s geared toward pre-K to eighth-graders, as a way of promoting literacy development.
K-12 students in Sedgwick County and Shawnee County are consistently exhibiting limited reading abilities. Overall in Kansas, approximately one-third of all K-12 students are reading below grade-level proficiency.
“So we’re asking those that attend to bring a book and donate it, so that we can build libraries and continue to improve the reading of our young adults in the community,” said Kimberley Brown, president of the Topeka Links chapter.
“Remy knew that basketball could be used as a vehicle for educational and economic development,” Pittman-Lui said.
Journey from Dakar to the NBA
Prior to arriving in the United States, Ndiaye suited up for the Senegal National basketball team as a high school student.
Upon arriving in the U.S., Ndiaye continued his high school career at Lake Forest Academy in Chicago, and later earned multiple degrees from Dallas Baptist University.
After graduation, Ndiaye held a role with NBA Africa’s Shooting Touch program in Rwanda, where he mentored youth.
Ndiaye caught his big break after landing an internship with the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. While there, his relentless work ethic was noticed by a Philadelphia 76ers staff member.
Soon after, Ndiaye was extended an offer to join the 76ers’ staff in the roles of video coordinator and player development specialist.
A strong rapport between Ndiaye and 76ers players was immediately evident. Ndiaye formed close friendships with many players, including former Kansas Jayhawk star center and Cameroon native Joel Embiid, and superstar forward Jimmy Butler.
Ndiaye eventually left the 76ers after accepting a similar position with the Miami Heat. For Ndiaye, “every day feels like a blessing,” learning under Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Ndiaye said he hopes to continue ascending the NBA ladder, with the ultimate goal of becoming a coach. And he’s off to a strong start, having recently been tapped as an NBA Summer League coach on the Heat staff.
“They get drafted and are learning the whole NBA lifestyle,” Ndiaye said. “And just being able to guide them through that is an amazing experience.”
Date: August 8, 2026
– Location: Topeka High School (800 SW 10th St)
– Cost: $100 + book donation (We are asking for PreK to 8th grade books)
– Session 1 (3rd to 8th grade): 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
– Session 2 (High School & College): 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Includes Bleacher Talk Q&A with Miami Heat’s Remy Ndiaye from 3-4PM)
Bleacher Talk
A “Bleacher Talk” will take place from 3-4PM. During the bleacher talk, Remy Ndiaye will discuss his career and mindset and also answer questions, as time allows. This portion open to the public at no cost.
Help Youth Literacy
As part of our commitment to youth literacy, we ask that all attendees bring a book to donate. These books will be shared with our local youth community and our sister community in Kenya.