American basketball clubs held training camps for North Korean players . The players and coaches raised $ 50,000 themselves to fund the trip . NBA founder Luke Elie grew up with his missionary parents in South Korea close to the border . He believes his was the first American basketball team ever to visit North Korea . New leader Kim Jong Un is said to love basketball , as did his father .
American basketball clubs held training camps for North Korean players . NBA founder Luke Elie grew up with his missionary parents in South Korea close to the border . He believes his was the first American basketball team ever to visit North Korea . New leader Kim Jong Un is said to love basketball , as did his father .