The NBA is launching a major initiative to open global basketball academies that target the recruitment and development of teenage players to create pathways to higher education and professional basketball.

The initial push of development academies is starting in Africa, China, India and Australia with the hope of strengthening their potential pool of players.

The NBA’s vice president of international operations, Brooks Meek, is among the league executives coordinating the program.

The program will target players between the age of 14 and 18.

The NBA will provide coaching, strength and conditioning specialists, scouting, video and technical specialists, and will partner with local infrastructures to create what the NBA calls a “360 degree” development experience for the prospective players.

Around the NBA, some have described it as being similar to the old “G.I. Bill.”

For those uninterested or unable to pursue a college education, there will be vocational and life-skills training that partners with basketball.