Nigeria’s Hakeem Olajuwon opened the door for Africans in the National Basketball Association (NBA) 40 years ago, and this season three more young centers with ties to the continent will follow in his path.
Cameroon’s Ulrich Chomche was the youngest player selected in June’s NBA Draft, Yves Missi also grew up in the Central African country, and Adem Bona was born in Lagos, Nigeria.
The trio are on the rosters of the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers, respectively, and an estimated 10% of current NBA players were born in Africa or had one parent born on the continent. Estimated.
“There’s incredible talent coming out of the continent,” NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum told BBC Sport Africa.
“Two of the last three best players were Joel Embiid, who is from Cameroon, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has Nigerian roots.
“Victor Wembaneyama, last year’s No. 1 draft pick and Rookie of the Year, has roots in Africa.”
As the 2024-25 season approaches, five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher believes Embiid, who chose to represent the United States, can help the 76ers win their first title since 1983.
“Joel has said he wants to stay healthy, especially for the NBA playoffs,” Fisher told BBC Sport Africa.
“I’ve never seen Joel healthy in the playoffs before. If that happens, I think the 76ers will be a team to watch in the Eastern Conference.”
