The FIBA African U18 Championship was not the tournament to witness the spectacular play after play nor to get a glimpse at a game changing NBA talent. Viewers could also argue the out-of-control play by most teams or the lack of the control by the referees (resulting in over aggressive defending) made some games tough to watch as a fan of basketball. Instead, this tournament displayed the rich untapped oasis of basketball talent that this continent possesses. With only Guinea, Mali, and Senegal joining tournament host Egypt in Cairo, you were left to wonder what if the likes of Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Angola had the chance to participate? One thing is for sure there was no shortage of potential. From incredible lengths and measurements to freak athletes, this was certainly a tournament to let the basketball imagination run free with “what if scenarios” when it came to scouting a prospect.
Although the collective team talent was low, individual bright spots of the event was on full display. The grit of Egypt’s guard (’02) Mohab Abdalatif (Africa NBA Academy) was the early story as he went on a scoring expedition. Highlight dunking reels were provided by highflyer (’03) Mamborou Mara of Guinea, giving us breath taking finishes at the rim. And (’02) Tamandijan Konate of Mali exhibited the appreciation of the game with effort and an all-around competitor adding his combination of outside shooting, relentless penetration to the hoop, and defensive disruptor. But going into the event all eyes were on the talented Lions of Senegal.
Tournament favorite’s Senegal boasted a roster of prospects like no other African country has in the years past. Having 10 or more players on the roster developing in professional structures in and outside of the country (whether NBA Academy or in Europe). Of the 10 players included NBA prospects 7’0 big (’02) Ibou Badji of Barcelona and 6’11 power forward (’02) Khalifa Diop of Herbalife Gran Canaria. Also, worth mentioning is 6’8 forward (’03) Babacar Sane of the Africa NBA Academy. The Lions struggled from the start not putting together full games eventually limping into the finals against Mali. The scrappy group from Mali although out of control at times never let up from the in-your-face defense they played the entire tournament. You can say team Mali got hot at the right time, but the fact remains Mali was the defending U18 African champions (2018) in which that same squad took 2nd behind the Americans in the world championships the following year (2019). To the youngsters of Mali, they were just following in the footsteps of their predecessors. In the finals they held a commanding led against the star-studded group of Senegal, narrowly escaping in the wining moments to capture gold and repeat as U18 African Champions.
Even with just 4 countries present, the event had its share of takeaways from prospect performances. In the future with the resumption of participation from many other African countries, I can only imagine the excitement and talent that will be produced from future U18 African Championships. Here is a brief synopsis of a few of the notable talent from this year’s tournament:
Probably the tournaments most complete prospect. He displayed his prolific scoring abilities from outside/in leading the tournament in points per game. He demonstrated his ability to finish with both hands around the basket with not shying from contact. You could clearly see his skill level at the guard position was a head and shoulder above the rest of the guards. From the tight handling of the ball and the confident stroke (Good mechanics) from outside, his development was on full display. His height put him at a disadvantage at times going up against bigger players both on offense and defense. Also, defensive pressure rattled him, losing control of the ball, or making a bad pass. He has decent speed but a bit undersize. Good energy but does not have the athletic ability he can rely but rather his IQ. Would not be considered an NBA prospect but has the potential to be a good pro internationally.
One prospect everyone held their breath in anticipation. Defensively he did not disappoint. He reminded us of his incredible measurements batting down and altering shots and snatching rebounds (dominating fashion) at their highest point. Also displayed his impressive elusiveness and mobility shrinking the space between him and attacker on help defense. Although still developing offensively, it was a struggle without great guard play (As he has in Barcelona). He took advantage of his size backing down his opponent but could have used better finishing techniques around the rim. He demonstrated his rim running ability with his long stride and speed. He occasionally hit the 15-footer when force to do so. He did have flashes of powerful finishes but overall, offensively was below the expectation. Definitely has defensive potential for the NBA level (rim protector, and rebounder) but will need a few years of developing.
Like his countrymen, this was a prospect with eyes on him during this event. The combination of him and Badji on the floor at the same time probably limited his scoring ability with the lack of efficient guard played. Still very raw offensively, majority of his scoring was done near the basket by out muscling the opposition. Needs to improve his balance more, seemed to be on the ground frequently after bumps or contact when attempting a shot. Hand eye coordination still needs improving. At time could not handle the ball cleanly on the pass off. Shooting mechanics are decent he occasionally hit the jump shot from inside the arc and also demonstrated his potential to stretch the floor from beyond the arc. Also, he showed glimpses of passing, full court passes, off the dribble and, in the high-low action. At times on offense, he did not play with energy just because of frustration. Defensively he exhibited his ability to alter shots but would not be consider a rim protector at the NBA Level. He defended above the three-point line at times showing decent lateral mobility. Overall, still a work in progress to polish out his potential. He would be considered a long-term project at the NBA level.
Made a splash during the second game of the tournament after not playing the first game. Good size and long measurements at the wing position to go along with an aggressive scoring mentality was a few of a number of details to like about him. Showed his ability to connect from long distance also using a variety of finishes at the rim. Decent handle showing confidence when dribbling but at times would lose the ball after a crossover (could be very careless at times). Displayed tenacious defending by suffocating the ball handler. Good use of hands and active feet (lateral mobility, speed) while defending. Could have been called for a foul on many occasions over using his hands to defend but throughout the tournament his energy on was great. It will be interesting if he will have the opportunity to take his development to the next level in a professional structure.
Probably the most talked about prospect of the tournament because his freakish athletic ability. Also, one of the younger players of the event, he has a great upside because of how untapped his fundamentals are. Displayed great speed and mobility moving with out the ball on offense for back doors or lobs above the defense. Decent shooting mechanics but definitely needs to improve on ball position before release. High level above the rim finisher with a decent arsenal of finishes at the rim. He is an ok ball handler but has great speed off the dribbling to potentially develop a dangerous first step. He did show his ability to maneuver with the ball using crossovers to get around the defense. His athletic ability provides an extra rebounder from the wing position. He has the capabilities of being an exciting prospect on both sides of the ball. Overall, probably has the highest ceiling of any prospect of the tournament. All eyes will be on where he ends up to take the next steps in his development. Definitely a prospect to keep an eye on in the future.
Completing the three-headed monster for Senegal, Sane is smooth and savvy player attacking the basket with power. Good handle on the ball providing an extra option to start the offense. He was comfortable dribbling full court leading the break and would use his feel of the game attacking the basket as the defense was setting up. Was out of control at times driving into defenders resulting in turnovers. Struggled shooting from outside although he has a fluid shooting motion. Moved decently without the ball and was consistently aggressive on the offensive end. Also, one of the younger players of the tournament, he displayed maturity and comfort level leading a talented squad in scoring. Decent defender but not a willing defender. Demonstrated he has the ability to guard multiple position because of his speed and size. Also, he has the potential to be good rebounder. With the option of NCAA or Europe on the horizon, he has a chance to make big strides in his development.
His combination of size, length, mobility, and age (younger ones of the tournament) makes him an interesting prospect. He was apart of the gold medal U16 Egyptian in 2019 averaging double digit points and rebounds. He almost replicated the same feat with 8ppg 8rpg for this year’s event. Good hands to go along with a good feel around the basket. Good mobility and athleticism being unafraid to finish above the rim with the anticipation of contact. He seemed to be in the right place right time demonstrating his ability to track down rebounds on both ends. Soft shooting touch that has the potential to develop into a good outside shot. Defensively he altered and block many shots making him a potential rim protector on the professional level. Also decently moves his feet laterally. Overall, will be interesting to see if he has grabbed the attention of professional structures to continue his development outside of Eygpt.
Honorable Mentions:
