African basketball players are stealing the spotlight as the NBA season kicks into high gear, promising an electrifying display of skills that will dominate the courts. Be prepared to witness these exceptional African basketball players in action. Here are the top 5 must-watch players in the 2023-24 season, as reported by BBC Sport Africa.
Top rising African basketball players in the NBA – Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama is a rising French basketball star in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs. He made history as the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, solidifying his status as a prodigy. At 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters), he shares the title of the NBA’s tallest active player with Boban Marjanović.
Victor Wembanyama’s diverse athletic lineage is an intriguing blend of talents. His father, Félix, an accomplished track and field athlete from the Democratic Republic of Congo, excelled in high jump, long jump, and triple jump.
His mother, Elodie de Fautereau, brings her experience as a former basketball player and coach, further enriching the family’s remarkable sporting legacy.
Top rising African basketball players in the NBA – Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam is a Cameroonian professional basketball sensation with the Toronto Raptors. He boasts the impressive titles of a two-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA selection, contributing significantly to the Raptors’ triumphant NBA championship victory in 2019.
Top rising African basketball players in the NBA – Bol Bol
Bol Manute Bol is a South Sudanese-American basketball phenomenon currently shining as a professional player for the Phoenix Suns. He honed his skills on the college courts, representing the Oregon Ducks.
Bol is the son of legendary basketball icon Manute Bol, celebrated as one of the tallest NBA players in history.
Born in Khartoum, Sudan, Bol made the Kansas City area his home from a young age. During his high school days, he soared to prominence, earning recognition as one of the top players in the class of 2018. As a consensus five-star recruit, he achieved the prestigious distinction of McDonald’s All-American honors. Listed as a towering center at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters), Bol stands tall among the tallest players in the NBA.
Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Malangu Kuminga, is a rising star in the world of professional basketball, proudly representing the Golden State Warriors.
Recognized as a five-star recruit and hailed as the leading small forward in the 2021 class, Kuminga made a bold decision to forgo his college eligibility and reclassify himself into the 2020 class, setting his sights on the NBA G League Ignite. Kuminga’s journey to professional stardom started during his high school years at The Patrick School in Hillside, New Jersey.
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Wenyen Gabriel
Wenyen Gabriel, is a South Sudanese-American basketball sensation who has graced the courts of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Gabriel’s basketball journey led him to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he last showcased his incredible skills in the NBA. Prior to his professional career, Gabriel left a mark in college basketball as a formidable force for the Kentucky Wildcats.
His potential was evident from early on, being rated as a 5-star prospect in 2016 and achieving a remarkable #14 ranking on ESPN’s Top 100 list. Gabriel showcased his skills with the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, and the Los Angeles Clippers during his NBA career.
