As the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico approaches, Cameroon's national team is ramping up preparations with an intensive training camp. This exclusive article delves into the team's strategic planning and offers an in-depth look at their readiness for the competition. We also address the elephant in the room: the absence of NBA star Pascal Siakam.
Last Updated on
June 25, 2024
Elango Mbotona
Staff Writer
The Cameroonian national team is gearing up for a significant milestone as they prepare for the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia. The training camp, scheduled from June 15th to 30th, is crucial for the team, which aims to secure one of the last spots for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Head coach Alfred Aboya has released a list of 15 players ready for this quest.
The training camp is a testament to the team's unity and camaraderie, featuring a blend of seasoned professionals and rising stars. Notable players include Jeremiah Hill from Runa Basket, William Narace, who plays with Le Mans in France, and the phenomenal Brice Eyaga, who moved from France's NM3 to the more competitive Pro B in 18 months. The squad also boasts college talents like Abdou Tsimbila from Fordham University, who had a standout season in the Atlantic 10 Conference. This diverse yet united team is ready to take on any challenge that comes their way.
Cameroon's recent triumph in the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Lagos, Nigeria, where they emerged victorious over Senegal, has not only secured their place in the upcoming OQT but also rekindled their Olympic dreams. This significant win has boosted the team's morale, filling them with hope and optimism for the challenges ahead.
During the camp, the team will play preparatory games against Egypt and Georgia, which will help them fine-tune their strategies and build team cohesion. The OQT is scheduled from July 2nd to 7th, and Cameroon will face tough competition from Brazil, Georgia, Latvia, Montenegro, and the Philippines.
This training camp, despite the absence of some key players, stands as a testament to the Cameroonian national basketball team's unwavering determination and resilience. Baylor Bears big man Yves Missi and NBA Academy's center Ulrich Chomche, initially preselected among the 26 players, could not attend the training camp due to their commitment to the NBA 2024 draft. However, the team remains undeterred, ready to face any challenge that comes their way.
Recently, the Cameroon Basketball Federation (FECA Basket) has faced criticism over Pascal Siakam's absence from the national team. This absence was initially attributed to the failure to pay the player's insurance as required by the NBA. However, through its Secretary General, the Federation clarified that the situation involved steps taken to secure Siakam's participation, which went beyond the insurance issue.
Concerning the NBA player Pascal Siakam, the Federation has taken steps towards him and his main agent for several months. In the current state of the situation, the player being a free agent in the NBA and awaiting an imminent signing, it is not possible for him to consider playing for the selection; Which would be at one's own risk in the event of a problem.
The Cameroon Basketball Federation is waiting for the deadline for players to register on the Map for the TQOS (June 25, 2024) to possibly declare them totally unavailable for this competition. We take this opportunity to thank his main agent with whom we have remained in close contact throughout this time.
As Team Cameroon prepares for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, all Cameroonians hope to see their men's basketball team compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. According to the Secretary-General, the Cameroon government has tried to ensure the best conditions for the team to compete and qualify for the Olympics.
Fabien Ateba, Tmenang Achu Choh, Nicolas Elame, Samir Gbetkom, Jeremiah Hill, Arnold Kome, Paris Devante Lee, Valentin Lele, Cyrille Liale, Charles Minlend Jr., Aristide Mouaha, Roland Nyama, John Tonje, Jordan Bayehe, Juslin Bodo Bodo, Paul Herman Eboua, Brice Eyaga Bidias, Jean Paul Mouandjo, Roger Moute a Bidias, Williams Narace, Boe Nguidjol, Russel Tchewa, Abdou Tsimbila
[Image/Photography Credit: FECA Basket, FIBA]
