At the tip-off of the 2024 NBA season, team rosters included 19 African-born players. There have been 67 NBA players from the continent across the league’s history.
The continent has produced two NBA MVPs, Hakeem Olajuwan in 1993 and Joel Embiid in 2023. Africa is filled with other current NBA players and promising high school and collegiate prospects.
And advancing the game for the next generation is a priority for African players of the past.
“When I come back and watch these kids play, I’m so proud,” former Golden State Warriors forward Festus Ezeli said.
The Basketball Africa League was established by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in 2021. It recently crowned its fourth champion.
The BAL has hired former NBA players as ambassadors, who are tasked with growing the BAL in Africa. Former Washington Wizards forward Ian Mahinmi and former Chicago Bulls all-star Luol Deng are ambassadors.
African natives are also in front office and coaching positions. President of Operations of the New York Knicks G-League system, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, has focused on scouting African players for the organization. He’s a BAL ambassador, as well. Toronto Raptors President of Operations Masai Ujiri has played a large role in promoting the game on the continent.
“There’s so much talent on African soil. But now it’s cultivating it and making sure we give [players] opportunities,” Mensah-Bonsu said.
Prospects such as 5-star Duke commit and ESPN projected top-three 2025 NBA draft pick Khaman Maluach, Florida forward Rueben Chinyelu and projected 2024 NBA first round draft pick Ulrich Chomche have emerged from the Academy. They have mentors in their corner.
“Okay, this is more than I, and I'm coming back to embrace and appreciate the beautiful moment,” Chinyelu said. “Being able to have something like the NBA in the motherland, it's beautiful and I'm proud of that.”
NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi said that the league has developed a ten-year plan.
“We’re only in season four, so we will know that we will be profitable, and that’s the journey that we’re currently on,” Akamanzi said.
Former players' involvement plays a large role. The NBA is still king in Africa. Young basketball players refer to players like Stephen Curry, James Harden and Kobe Bryant as their favorite basketball players. A global star from Africa could change everything.
But if the NBA continues to promote African players' journeys, it will increase the league’s visibility across the continent.