The NBA Academy Showcase Africa 2024 has officially commenced, featuring a lineup of U-18 teams from across the globe.
This prestigious event, held at the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, showcases young talent from Canada, Cameroon, Germany, Senegal, and the U.S., all vying for recognition in front of NBA scouts and NCAA coaches.
Seven teams are participating in this year’s showcase: Sport Institute Dynastie (Canada), Play 2 Lead Foundation (Cameroon), International Basketball Academy Munich (Germany), SEED (Senegal), Mountain Stars Basketball (U.S.), and the host teams, NBA Academy Africa Blue and Red. Nearly 100 players representing 19 countries are competing in this international basketball exhibition.
Franck Traore, NBA Africa’s Head of Basketball Operations, expressed his enthusiasm for the second installment of the showcase, which aims to build upon the success of the inaugural event held last year. He highlighted the showcase as a golden opportunity for high-school-age prospects, including those from NBA Academy Africa, to compete and further their development.
The showcase also features players from the Basketball Africa League (BAL) participating in the BAL Elevate program. Notable players include Ahmed Abouelela, Ahmed Bedoui, Mouhamed Camara, Yakhya Diop, Seifeldin Hendawy, Khaman Maluach, Assane Mandian, Khadim Mboup, Aginaldo Neto, Mouhamed Sylla, and David Ugonna Ike.
Last year’s showcase attracted over 20 scouts from the NBA and NCAA, with representatives from top NBA teams in attendance. The event has become a platform for NBA Academy Africa prospects to launch their careers, with several participants having declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.
The NBA Academy is a comprehensive basketball development program that operates year-round, providing elite training and education to high-school-age athletes from outside the U.S. The program includes academies in Australia, Mexico, and Senegal, each catering to top prospects from their regions.
In 2018, the NBA Academy Africa inaugurated its new facility in Saly, Senegal, equipped with state-of-the-art basketball courts, a multipurpose activity center, and educational amenities, setting the stage for the next generation of basketball stars.
