Madagascar’s Mathias M'Madi has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft after a breakout AfroBasket qualifying campaign. The 19-year-old guard could draw serious NBA interest following standout performances across Africa, Europe, and US college basketball.
Last Updated on
April 27, 2025
Another rising African star could be set to join the NBA ranks. Madagascan guard Mathias M’Madi has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, adding his name to an exciting class of international prospects.
The 19-year-old, standing 6’5” with a strong, polished frame, has steadily built his profile across the international and European stages. M’Madi was most recently impressed during the FIBA Men’s AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, where he was instrumental in helping Madagascar punch their ticket to the tournament. Across the qualification window, M’Madi averaged 13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and four assists per game — showcasing his ability to impact the game across multiple facets.
M’Madi’s journey from Antananarivo to NBA Draft hopeful has been remarkable. A former standout at the 2022 FIBA U18 AfroBasket, where he was named MVP, M’Madi later captured the world’s attention at the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup, leading the tournament in scoring with 24.1 points per game. His performances underscored a versatile offensive package: smooth pull-up shooting, strong finishing at the rim, and the vision to set up teammates in key moments.
Beyond the national team, M’Madi continued to hone his craft at the US college level, where he suited up for Seward County Community College. As a freshman, he led the team in scoring and earned Honorable Mention honours in the highly competitive Jayhawk Conference — a testament to his quick adaptation and production in American basketball.
After his season for Seward County, interest around M’Madi grew. In mid-2024, rumours surfaced that Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s top clubs competing in the BKT EuroCup, brought him in for a trial. Though a contract did not materialize at the time, his presence in such circles indicated the level of potential European teams saw in him. This past season, M’Madi played for CB Morón in Spain’s Primera FEB, posting 7.1 points and 1.5 rebounds per game against older, more experienced competition.
What sets M’Madi apart is his combination of skill, strength, and international polish at such a young age. A natural combo guard, he is comfortable dictating the pace as a primary ballhandler but is equally effective at working off the ball. His ability to score at all three levels — perimeter shooting, midrange touch, and finishing at the basket — makes him an attractive fit for modern NBA offences.
While still developing consistency as a playmaker and defender at the professional level, NBA scouts view M’Madi as a long-term prospect with serious upside. His broad exposure — playing in Africa, America, and Europe by age 19 — has helped him mature his game and prepare for the physicality and pace of the NBA.
