FIBA Africa Zone 6 Weekly Review: 08/08/2024

FIBA Africa Zone 6 Weekly Review: 05/08/2024

South Africa

FIBA, the NBA, and NBA Africa launched their 20th edition of Basketball Without Borders, which ran from August 3 to 6 in Johannesburg, South Africa. This year's event, hosted at the American International School of Johannesburg, featured state-of-the-art facilities. Basketball Without Borders is a global development and outreach program that scouts and nurtures African basketball talent.

The program also focuses on community engagement, including training coaches and officials in the region. Notable past contributors include Greg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs) and Doc Rivers, who have shared their expertise with local coaches. This year's coaching clinic will be led by Coach Darko Rajakovic (Toronto Raptors), Sam Cassell (Boston Celtics), and Jesse Mermuys (Orlando Magic).

The event also attracts notable figures such as Bruno Fernando (Angola and Toronto Raptors), Immanuel Quickley (Toronto Raptors), Moses Moody (Golden State Warriors), Sylvia Fowles (two-time WNBA champion), and Mfon Udoka (former Nigeria Women's National Team coach and ex-WNBA player).

Basketball Without Borders Africa has been instrumental in identifying and developing talents like Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Gorgui Dieng, and Christian Koloko, who have advanced to the NBA. This platform continues to break barriers and create opportunities for African players in the global basketball arena.
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2024 FIBA U18 AfroBasket, South Africa

South Africa is finalising preparations for the 2024 U18 AfroBasket Championship, marking a significant return to international basketball after years of dormancy. Earlier this year, South Africa debuted as the host of the Kalahari Conference of the Basketball Africa League, showcasing its ability to manage high-profile basketball events.

The U18 AfroBasket will take place from August 1 to 14, with 12 men's and 12 women's teams participating. Although the dates are confirmed, the specific city hosting the tournament has yet to be announced. While South Africa boasts numerous venues capable of hosting such a prestigious event, pressure mounts as the tournament approaches.

The official logo, unveiled this weekend, reflects the continent's vibrant colours and the host nation's flag. The design features patterns inspired by African art, symbolising the region's rich cultural mosaic.
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Angola

The 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) champions, Petro de Luanda, will compete in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, which will take place in Singapore this September. This prestigious tournament brings together champions from each continent to vie for the title of FINA Intercontinental Cup champions.

In preparation, Petro de Luanda is strengthening their roster and welcoming back key players who have contributed to the team's recent success. Notably, they have re-signed guard Childe Dundao for another two seasons. Dundao, named to the 2024 BAL All-Defensive Second Team, is expected to play a crucial role for the African champions in the upcoming Intercontinental Cup.

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[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of BBC Sport, FIBA and NBA]