Over the weekend, eight young African basketballers took a significant step onto the global stage at the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global Camp in San Francisco, held alongside the prestigious NBA All-Star Weekend. This annual camp serves as a launchpad for top international prospects, providing them with elite coaching, exposure, and mentorship from NBA, WNBA, and FIBA stars.
Representing Africa at this year’s camp are:
- Heri Bukinga (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
- Arafan Diane (Guinea)
- Ali Assran (Egypt)
- David Ugonna Ike (Nigeria)
- Ikenna Alozie (Nigeria)
- Theophilus Edema (Nigeria)
- Paul Ater Maker Bol (South Sudan)
- Ahmed Bedoui (Tunisia)
These rising stars are showcasing Africa’s basketball talent and learning from some of the sport’s greatest minds, setting them on a path toward professional careers.
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NBA Academy Africa: Shaping the Future of African Basketball
Three of the African players in attendance are products of NBA Academy Africa, a program dedicated to developing top-tier basketball talent from the continent.
- Ali Assran (Egypt, 16): Featured in Born and Bred Season 2, a documentary series about African prospects, Ali has played for Egypt’s U16 and U17 National Teams. He will graduate from the academy this year.
- David Ugonna Ike (Nigeria, 17): A standout player in the 2024 BAL season, David made his Basketball Africa League (BAL) debut through the BAL Elevate program, averaging 4.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Last August, he was also named BWB Africa Defensive MVP and BWB Africa All-Star.
- Ahmed Bedoui (Tunisia, 17): Ahmed plays for Tunisia’s U17 National Team and played in BAL Season 4 with US Monastir. His selection for the BWB Africa All-Star Team after attending the 2024 BWB Africa camp further cements his status as a promising talent.
Since its inception in 2015, the BWB Global Camp has become a defining moment for young international prospects. The program has helped shape the careers of NBA stars like Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), and Ulrich Chomche (Toronto Raptors), proving its effectiveness in grooming Africa’s next basketball elite.
African Entertainment Stars Join the NBA All-Star Weekend
The event wasn’t just about basketball—it also attracted African entertainment personalities, who added an extra layer of excitement to the weekend.
Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro, South African actress Linda Mtoba, Senegalese content creator Khaby Lame, and South African actress and radio host Thando Thabethe were among the guests making waves in San Francisco. They added glamour to the courtside experience while supporting Africa’s young talents on one of the biggest stages in basketball.
A Weekend of Basketball and Style
As expected, African stars brought their fashion A-game to the NBA All-Star Weekend.
- Osas Ighodaro rocked an all-white look featuring a cropped top, high-waisted trousers with a bold black waistband, and matching heels. She accessorized with a woven clutch, oversized sunglasses, and her signature red-toned hair.
- Linda Mtoba opted for an all-black ensemble, layering a fur-trimmed long coat over a fitted outfit. She completed her courtside look with a Saint Laurent mini bag, oversized sunglasses, sneakers, and white socks.
The Future of African Basketball Is Bright
With African players making strides in the NBA, events like the BWB Global Camp continue to create opportunities for young talent to shine. As these players train with the best in the world, they are not just representing their countries—they are proving that Africa is an undeniable force in global basketball.
As the NBA All-Star Weekend wraps up, all eyes remain on these young African stars, who are set to carry the continent’s basketball legacy forward.