Basketball – Winning Hearts in Africa Against All Odds

Basketball has deeply embedded itself into African culture since the sport was introduce mid-20th century by European colonizers and missionaries. When you travel to many urban areas in Africa, you will see some woke youngsters dressed in sweatshirts, vests and t-shirts with names of famous players. In major cities, you will also find some streets having basketball courts as it is in the United States. There are also basketball training facilities in public and private where students develop and sharpen their playing skills.

Basketball is booming in Africa with the continent becoming home to some of the fastest-growing basketball leagues in the world. Its players are increasingly making their mark on the National Basketball Association (NBA). The establishment of the African Basketball Confederation and the Afrobasket tournament has steadily soared the sport’s popularity, attracting lots of fan bases and cultivating a new generation of talented players across the entire continent. 

In 2021 the sport was taken to the next level when the NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) joined forces to create the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the NBA’s first competition outside the USA. The league brings together top teams from across the continent, offering exposure and opportunities for players and coaches. Camps and academies such as NBA’s Basketball Without Borders are also meant to groom up young talents and also equip them with other attributes outside basketball.

According to organizers, attendance in the 2023 season of the BAL grew by 51 per cent, with more than 40,000 fans attending the 30 group phase games. In the 2024 season, the league targeted fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages through free-to-air and paid broadcast partnerships.  

History of Basketball in Africa

Basketball began to spread across Africa in the mid-20th century, particularly in countries that had been colonized by France—such as Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. Missionaries and administrators later introduced the game to the rest of the continent leading to African countries competing in international tournaments. The Pharaohs of Egypt joined the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) in 1934 and represented Africa in the 1937 Eurobasket tournament in Latvia. The first recorded international game in Africa was between the American and Egyptian teams in 1949, the same year that Egypt hosted and won the Eurobasket49 tournament against European basketball powerhouses Greece and Turkey.

As African countries gained independence in the late 1950s and early 1960s, they looked to integrate with the global community. In June 1961, 12 African countries founded the Association des Fédérations Africaines de Basketball (AFABA) at the Consultative General Assembly held in Cairo, Egypt. AFABA became the umbrella body for the game of basketball on the continent, with the mandate to streamline basketball development and organize competitions on the continent. The Afrobasket tournament came on board a year later, serving not only as a competition but also as qualification for both the Olympic Games and the FIBA World Cup. 

In the 1980s and 1990s, basketball continued to grow in Africa, with more countries participating in international competitions and more African players competing in the NBA. The African Basketball Confederation was established in 1989 to further promote the sport on the continent. Nigerian-born Hakeem Olajuwon was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 1984, along with future Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. Olajuwon won two NBA championships and MVPs in 1994-1995 and had the popular “Dream Shake” movement under the basket. Sudan (before South Sudan’s independence) also produced Manute Bol—at 7 feet 7 inches one of the tallest basketball players ever—who ended up with more blocked shots than points.

Credit: Afrika-news

Top National Basketball Teams in Africa

Africa is home to several competitive national teams that have excelled in continental and international competitions. According to August 21, 2016 statistics from NIKE FIBA World Men Rankings, Nigeria tops the continent at position 16 globally with 106.2 points. Tunisia is 2nd in Africa and 21st globally with 69.0 points. Other Africa countries that feature on the list are Angola at 23rd position with 66.0 points, Cote d’Ivoire at 40th position with 20.4 points, and Egypt at 41st position with 19.2 points. Sportblot now presents you these teams that have not only dominated FIBA Africa tournaments but have also made their presence felt on the global stage:

1. Nigeria

Nigeria is widely regarded as the powerhouse of African basketball. The Nigerian national team, known as D’Tigers, has consistently been one of the top teams on the continent. They won their first FIBA AfroBasket championship in 2015 and have since become a force to reckon with in international competitions.

Nigeria’s success can be attributed to its deep pool of talent, including NBA players like Josh Okogie, Precious Achiuwa, and Gabe Vincent. In 2020, D’Tigers made history by becoming the first African team to defeat the United States in an exhibition game. Their performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics further solidified their status as one of Africa’s elite teams.

2. Angola

Angola is another dominant force in African basketball. The national team, known as the Palancas Negras, has won a record 11 FIBA AfroBasket championships, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history. Angola’s basketball success is rooted in its strong domestic league and a tradition of producing skilled players.

Despite facing challenges in recent years, Angola remains a formidable opponent on the continent. Players like Bruno Fernando, who plays in the NBA, have helped maintain the team’s competitive edge.

3. Senegal

Senegal has a rich basketball tradition and is known for producing some of Africa’s most talented players. The national team, known as the Lions of Teranga, has won multiple FIBA AfroBasket championships and consistently ranks among the top teams in Africa.

Senegal’s basketball infrastructure, including the NBA Academy Africa, has played a key role in developing young talent. NBA players like Gorgui Dieng and Tacko Fall have proudly represented Senegal on the international stage.

4. Tunisia

Tunisia has emerged as a rising star in African basketball in recent years. The national team, known as the Eagles of Carthage, won their first FIBA AfroBasket championship in 2011 and repeated the feat in 2017 and 2021. Tunisia’s success is driven by a strong domestic league and a focus on player development.

Tunisia’s performance at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where they became the first African team to advance to the quarterfinals, showcased their growing prowess on the global stage.

5. Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, has a storied history in African basketball. The national team, known as the Elephants, has won multiple FIBA AfroBasket championships and is known for its passionate fan base.

While the team has faced challenges in recent years, Côte d’Ivoire remains a competitive force in African basketball. The country’s commitment to developing young talent ensures a bright future for the sport.

6. Egypt

Egypt is one of the pioneers of basketball in Africa, with a history dating back to the early 20th century. The national team, known as the Pharaohs, has won multiple FIBA AfroBasket championships and is known for its disciplined style of play.

Egypt’s basketball success is fueled by a strong domestic league and a tradition of producing skilled players. The team’s performance in continental competitions continues to inspire future generations.

Challenges Holding Basketball Back

Despite its great in route to the continent, the development of basketball is still hobbled by a lot of challenges in Africa. Indeed, the greatest difficulty which can be pointed out is the dearth of adequate and appropriate facilities.

For many players, practice takes place on clay courts or with worn-out equipment. Access to quality training centers is limited, especially in rural areas. This hinders players from reaching their full potential. This deters players and keeps them from reaching their best.

Funding is another issue. While initiatives like the BAL bring attention to African basketball, most programs still rely on limited resources. Governments and private sponsors often prioritise other sports, leaving basketball underfunded. 

Talent identification also remains a hurdle. Scouts often overlook remote regions, focusing mainly on urban areas. This means many skilled players never get the chance to showcase their immense potentials.

Additionally, cultural and societal barriers sometimes prevent young athletes, particularly girls, from pursuing basketball. Traditional norms in some areas discourage women from participating in sports, limiting the diversity and inclusivity of the game.

To mitigate some of these challenges, governments, organizations, and the private sector must come together to invest in infrastructure and training. Besides, more scouts need to explore remote areas to discover hidden talent. Community programs should focus on breaking societal barriers to encourage more girls to play. Addressing the foregoing will boost Africa’s love for basketball, inspire future generations and create a legacy that lasts for years to come.

Credit: Afroballers

Africa’s Basketball Future Looks Bright

The launch of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2021, supported by major sponsorships is one of the best things to happen African basketball. Local businesses and media coverage also play crucial roles in enhancing its popularity. More so, with the exploits of stars from the continent on the global stage, there is huge hopes for the development of the sport in Africa. 

There are several Africans who have played on the international stage include former NBA stars, Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo. Olajuwon who was born in Nigeria played for the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors. On the other hand, Mutombo was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and successfully played 18 NBA seasons. The Cameroonians: Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid and their teammates in the NBA like OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, Giannis Antetokounmpo have been inspiring a new generation of players.

Three players from BAL represented South Sudan in the last Olympics, and one of them, Khaman Maluach is set to be the hottest prospect for the 2025 NBA draft. Not only are current NBA players putting the spotlight on Africa, but former African NBA players are returning to help develop the sport in many capacities. Luol Deng, who played 15 seasons in the NBA and represented Great Britain at the Olympics, now serves as the president of South Sudan’s basketball federation.

Similarly, the success of African teams in international competitions is increasingly driving the growth of basketball on the continent. In recent years, African teams have won several medals at the FIBA Africa Championship and the FIBA AfroBasket Women. This success is inspiring young people to play the game, and it is helping to raise the profile of basketball in Africa.

Interestingly, NBA Africa’s YouTube channel says it experienced a significant uptick in viewer engagement during the league’s 2023-24 regular season. Views on their channel more than doubled in the 2023/24 season compared to the previous season. The NBA has taken notice of the sport’s potential in Africa. With NBA Africa now investing in communities, promoting gender equality, and intentionally inspiring young people to play the game, the best days of African basketball are in the horizon.