Top 10 African Nations Producing NBA Talent in 2025

In Summary

• The continent is producing record NBA talent, with 17 African-born players on 2024–25 rosters.
• Nigeria leads the pack, followed by Senegal, South Sudan, and Cameroon, each shaping the NBA’s global future.
• Grassroots programs, BAL, NBA Africa, and youth academies are fueling Africa’s rise in global basketball.

Deep Dive!!

Lagos, Nigeria, Tuesday, October 7th— Africa is experiencing a basketball revolution that is turning the NBA from a North American league into a major force on a worldwide scale. Elite talent is emerging from the continent at a never-before-seen pace because of programs like the Basketball Africa League (BAL), NBA Academy Africa, and the popularity of AfroBasket.African-born players are still making waves as of the 2025–26 season, having set a record with 17 on the 2024–25 opening-night rosters. From contemporary superstars like Joel Embiid to Hall of Famers like Hakeem Olajuwon, African countries are generating big players with versatility and athleticism, as well as talented guards who rule the court.

This article examines the top ten African countries that produce NBA talent, stressing their history, development, and the elements that shaped their basketball careers.

10. Gabon: Hidden Gems of Central Africa

It's amazing that Gabon, a country of 2.3 million people, has two NBA exporters. The Fédération Gabonaise de Basketball (FEGABO) was established in 1968 following independence, marking the introduction of basketball during French control in the middle of the 20th century. Before U.S. college pipelines appeared in the 2000s, the Panthers' growth was sluggish after their 1972 AfroBasket debut. Development is currently being driven by clubs like Espoir BC and the BAL's Central African conference (from 2022).

Notable Stars:

• Stéphane Lasme: Drafted 46th by Golden State in 2007, the 6'8" forward earned EuroLeague’s 2013 Sixth Man award with Panathinaikos, averaging 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 20 NBA games with Miami.
• Chris Silva: Undrafted in 2019, the 6'8" forward/centre averaged 2.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in 70 games with Miami and others, known for “Heat Culture” energy.

9. Egypt: Pioneers of the North

Basketball arrived in North Africa in the 1930s via British influence, although Egypt's two players built the foundation first. The Pharaohs won AfroBasket in 1964 and 1970 under the Egyptian Basketball Federation (EBA), which was established in 1936. Due to Alaa Abdelnaby's success in the 1990s, NBA-BAL partnerships have been scouting new talent since 2021.

Notable Stars:

• Abdel Nader: Undrafted in 2017, the 6'5" wing averaged 3.5 points over five seasons with Boston and others.
• Alaa Abdelnaby: The 1991 No. 25 pick, a 6'10" forward, averaged 6.7 points over five seasons, and later became a broadcaster.

8. Ivory Coast: Emerging Big Man Factory

Under French sovereignty, the Ivory Coast's three talents draw from a thriving street-ball culture that dates back to the 1950s. The Elephants made their debut at AfroBasket 1964 and won in 1981 and 1985 under the Fédération Ivoirienne de Basketball (FIBB), which was established in 1960. BAL's 2021 debut has increased awareness, and players are using European clubs and American universities.

Notable Stars:

• Mo Bamba: The 2018 No. 6 pick, with a 7'10" wingspan, averaged 5.8 points career-wise, a rim-protecting force for Orlando and others.
• Matt Costello: A 2017 undrafted forward, the 6'9" Michigan State alum played briefly for Detroit, a pioneer.
• Guy Landry Edi: Undrafted, the 6'6" wing shone in the G League and internationally.

7. Ghana: Speed and Perimeter Shooting

The Black Stars made their AfroBasket 1964 debut and won the 1981 championship in the Ghana Basketball Association (GBBA), which was established in 1960 following independence. Players such as Pops Mensah-Bonsu have played a pivotal role in the diaspora-driven U.S. high school pipelines since the 1980s.

Notable Stars:

• Pops Mensah-Bonsu: A 2006 second-rounder, the 6'9" forward averaged 2.5 points in 74 games, later a 2007-08 EuroLeague MVP.
• Ben Bentil: The 2016 No. 51 pick, a 6'9" scorer, averaged 0.9 points in 10 games, thriving overseas with Providence honours.
• Nate Mensah: Undrafted in 2023, the 6'10" defender is a G League rebounding specialist.

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6. Mali: Underrated Athletic Exports

The Aiglons made their debut at AfroBasket 1964 and won the 1972 Fédération Malienne de Basketball (FMBB), which was established in 1960. With two players on the 2024–25 rosters, European clubs became as important in the 2000s. Mali's profile has increased thanks to BAL's West African conference and NBA Africa's youth camps.

Notable Stars:

• Cheick Diallo: The 2016 No. 33 pick, who was well-known for his rebounding and Kansas college motor, averaged 2.2 points in 100 games.
• Adama Sanogo (Chicago Bulls): A 2023 second-rounder, the 6'9" centre averaged 1.5 points in 2024-25 on a two-way contract, valued for hustle.

5. Democratic Republic of the Congo: Defensive Dynasties

Basketball was brought to the DRC by Belgian colonists in the early 1900s, and the six players have a Hall of Fame pedigree. The Léopards made their AfroBasket 1965 debut and won in 1975 under the Fédération de Basketball du Congo (Febaco), which was established in 1958. 

Notwithstanding the disruptions caused by civil wars, Dikembe Mutombo's supremacy in the 1990s spurred development. With two 2024–25 roster players, the scene has been revitalised by the BAL’s 2021 launch and NBA clinics.

Notable Stars:

• Dikembe Mutombo: The 1991 No. 4 pick, four-time DPOY, and Hall of Famer averaged 9.8 points and 10.2 rebounds over 18 seasons, iconic for his finger-wag.
• Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors): The 2021 No. 7 pick averaged 16.1 points in 2023-24, a rising star on a contender.
• Serge Ibaka: A four-time champion, the 2008 No. 24 pick averaged 12.0 points with elite shot-blocking.
• Oscar Tshiebwe: Undrafted in 2023, the 6'9" forward brings rebounding tenacity to 2024-25.

4. Cameroon: Home of MVPs and Champions

The seven NBA players from Cameroon, five of whom are on the 2024–25 teams, have roots in the sport's inception during French rule in the 1950s. The Lions made their AfroBasket 1965 debut and won in 2007 under the Fédération Camerounaise de Basketball (Fecaba), which was established in 1959. 

Growth was spurred by the American college pipeline in the 1990s, as highlighted by Luc Mbah a Moute, and a boom was generated by Pascal Siakam's 2016 pick. Since then, BAL and NBA Africa's camps have increased development.

Notable Stars:

• Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers): The 2014 No. 3 pick, 2023 MVP, and seven-time All-Star averaged 33.0 points in 2023-24, dominating as a 7'0" scoring machine.
• Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers): Undrafted in 2016, the 2019 champion and two-time All-Star averaged 22.2 points in 2023-24, known for versatility.
• Yves Missi (New Orleans Pelicans): The 2024 No. 21 pick, a 7'0" rookie, shone in Summer League with athletic dunks and blocks.
• Luc Mbah a Moute: A 2008 second-rounder, the 6'8" forward averaged 6.4 points over 12 seasons, a defensive stalwart.

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3. South Sudan: The Brightest Rising Star

The nine players represent South Sudan's tremendous growth since gaining independence in 2011. In the 1990s, basketball was introduced by UN programs after it first appeared in refugee camps during the civil war in Sudan. 

The Shining Stars were founded in 2011, made their AfroBasket 2017 debut, and shocked everyone by defeating China in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Taking advantage of the country's Nilotic background for remarkable height and agility, the 2022 Basketball Without Borders camp and BAL's East African conference have expedited the identification of talent.

Notable Stars:

• Luol Deng: Born in what is now South Sudan, raised in Egypt/UK, the 2004 No. 7 pick was a three-time All-Star, 2014 champion with Miami, averaging 14.8 points over 15 seasons.
• Bol Bol (Phoenix Suns): Son of legend Manute Bol, the 7'3" 2019 second-rounder played 26 games in 2024-25, averaging 2.7 points with highlight-reel plays.
• Duop Reath (Portland Trail Blazers): Undrafted in 2023, the 6'9" forward averaged 4.7 points in 14 games in 2024-25, valued for versatility.
• Manute Bol (deceased): The 7'7" icon from the 1980s averaged 2.6 points and 3.7 blocks, one of the NBA’s tallest players.

2. Senegal: Grit and International Flair

Given that basketball dates back to the 1950s, when Senegal was a French colony, its 14 NBA players demonstrate the country's immense influence. The Lions of Teranga made their AfroBasket 1964 debut under the Fédération Sénégalaise de Basketball (FSBB), which was established in 1962 following independence. They went on to win championships in 1968 and 1978. 

A change occurred in the 1990s when NBA scouts began to show interest in players like Amadou Dia Ba. NBA Academy Africa, which debuted in Saly in 2017, and BAL participation have contributed to Senegal's significant FIBA performances and diaspora in France. The pipeline in Senegal is still thriving, with one active player in 2024–2025.

Notable Stars:

• Gorgui Dieng (retired): Drafted 21st by Minnesota in 2013, the 6'11" centre won a 2022 ring with Golden State (via trade), averaging 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds over 10 seasons, known for passing and rim protection.
• Mouhamed Gueye (Atlanta Hawks): The 2024 No. 39 pick, a 6'11" forward, earned Summer League MVP with 16.3 points per game, showcasing versatility in 2024-25.
• Cheikh Samb: Drafted 51st in 2006, the 7'1" centre played 81 games for Dallas and others, averaging 4.3 points as an early pioneer with shot-blocking prowess.
• DeSagana Diop: A 2001 No. 8 pick by Cleveland, the 7'0" centre averaged 2.0 points over 12 seasons, valued for defence.

1. Nigeria: The Birthplace of NBA Royalty

Nigeria, which has a population of more than 200 million, has the most NBA alumni (30), thanks to its strong grassroots initiatives and demographic advantage. British colonial influence brought basketball to the world in the early 20th century, but it really took off after independence in 1960. The first national league was arranged in the 1970s by the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), which was established in 1964. 

American missionaries, NBA game broadcasts on television, and Hakeem Olajuwon's ascent all contributed to the boom of the 1980s. Youth academies were inspired by his success, and Nigeria's D'Tigers made their AfroBasket 2000 debut before earning a spot at the 2012 Olympics. With four players on the 2024–25 rosters, Nigeria has already cemented its reputation as a talent factory due to the NBA's Junior NBA program, BAL, and camps like Giants of Africa.

Notable Stars:

• Hakeem Olajuwon: Born in Lagos, drafted No. 1 by Houston in 1984, “The Dream” became a two-time champion (1994-95), 1994 MVP, 12x All-Star, and Hall of Famer. His 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game redefined centre play with his signature Dream Shake.
• Precious Achiuwa (New York Knicks): The 2020 No. 20 pick averaged 7.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in 2024-25, leveraging his 6'9" frame for rebounds and hustle plays.
• Josh Okogie (Phoenix Suns): Drafted 20th in 2018, the 6'4" guard averaged 4.0 points in 2024-25, known for tenacious defence and athletic dunks.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks): Born to Nigerian parents in Greece, the 2021 Finals MVP and two-time MVP (2019-20) adds to Nigeria’s legacy, averaging 30.4 points in 2023-24.

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