The National Basketball Association (NBA) is spreading its roots in Africa and has attracted several talented NBA players with African roots. They are the clique that is not only a pride of the continent but also an inspiration for the future of the sport across the globe. Most players spent their formative years in Africa before moving to the US to join some of the significant NBA outfits. Below is a list of some of the NBA stars with African roots who are rocking basketball courts and thrilling fans in the US and across the globe.
Cheick Diallo
NBA star Cheick Diallo
The Miami Heat forward is one of the prolific NBA players with African roots. Diallo was born in Mali and developed his love for the game while playing the sport at a tender age in his native country. In his younger years, children mocked him because of his height. Little did they know that the height was the ideal blessing that would propel him to success in the world of the NBA and make him among the best.
In an interview, the skillful forward recounted how his love for basketball attracted the attention of his Malian basketball coach who convinced him to pursue his dream in the land of opportunities, United States of America. Diallo has played for the New Orleans Pelicans before he moved to the Miami Heat in September 2023.
Joel Embiid
NBA star Joel Embiid. He was born in Cameroon and is one of the NBA stars with African roots
If anyone had told Joel Embiid several years ago that he would become one of the top NBA players with African roots, he could have easily dismissed it as a bad joke. When he was growing up, his passion and dream was to play volleyball. He dreamed of making a name in Europe as one of the top volleyball players. Fate however had other intentions. Born in Cameroon, his decision to attempt his sports skills in basketball earned him a slot at a sports camp in Cameroon. This was the key that opened the floodgates of fortunes in the NBA in the US.
He moved to the US to pursue his basketball dream and started catching the attention of some scouts as he displayed incredible skills. He played for the University of Kansas basketball team. His luck came in 2014 when he became the third pick in the NBA draft. He signed for the Philadelphia 76ers and has been a mainstay in the team’s squad for several years.
Bismack Biyombo
Bismack Biyombo/Courtesy
Biyombo is a top athlete and one of the top NBA players with African roots. He was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but spent the better part of his childhood in Spain where he learned to play basketball. His journey in the NBA started in 2011, setting the stage for him to become one of the top NBA players with African roots. He plies his trade with the Phoenix Suns player.
Biyombo has not forgotten his roots and has been keen to improve the livelihoods of Congolese people. In 2022, he won praise across the globe after he volunteered to donate his entire salary for the season to build an hospital in his native country.
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Christian Koloko
Cameroonian-born Christian Koloko
Another star on the basketball court, Cameroonian Christian Koloko has climbed the steps of professional basketball to become one of the top NBA players with African roots entertaining millions of fans. He plays as a center for the Toronto Raptors. Basketball runs through his veins and he began training when he was 12 years old. Although his career has just picked up since he joined the Raptors in 2022, he has already started showing glimpses of his prowess on the court. In 2022, he was named the most improved player.
Mouhamed Gueye
Born in 2002, Gueye is one of the brightest prospects in the NBA. He was born in Senegal but is rapidly becoming a household name in the NBA since he earned his professional contract. Gueye is one of the main names in the teamsheets of the Atlanta Hawks representing the future of the outfit. Additionally, the Senegalese was selected by the Charlotte Hornet as the 39th pick during the NBA Draft of 2013. He spent part of his childhood in Dakar and hails from a family of basketball players. Four of his cousins are also masters in the sport.
Gorgui Dieng
Gorgui Dieng
He is one of the top players whose contribution to the game and the community has earned him praise. At one point, the Senegalese was among the most valuable NBA players. Gorgui Dieng is attached to the San Antonio Spurs and has been a key force in their successes on the court as a center. According to the NBA, Dieng’ was drafted in 2013 as the 21st pick. He has won recognition from NBA over his contribution to promoting the game through his foundation.
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Bol Bol
NBA star Bol Bol
Born in 1999 in the East African country Sudan, Bol Bol was drafted into the NBA in 2019. He was lucky to be picked as the 44th pick. He has four years of experience in the league. Bol Bol has elbowed his way up the ladder to become one of the best NBA players with African roots. He plays for Phoenix Sun as a center.