Team Profile: With five AfroBasket titles to their name, Senegal heads into the FIBA Afrobasket 2025 Qualifiers as one of the hot favourites for a spot at next year’s showdown. But can they get past Rwanda, Gabon and, more importantly, Cameroon?
Last Updated on
November 22, 2024
Senegal's men's basketball team, revered as the Lions of Teranga, is a hallmark of African basketball excellence. With five AfroBasket championships (1968, 1972, 1978, 1980, and 1997), they remain one of the continent's most decorated and respected squads. Their sustained success reflects a deep-rooted basketball culture fueled by the emergence of top-tier talents who continue to elevate Senegal's status in international basketball.
Drawn into Group C of the AfroBasket Qualifiers alongside Rwanda, Cameroon, and Gabon, Senegal faces a mix of familiar rivals and new foes. With the stakes high, the Lions are pinning their hopes on a roster led by a new wave of emerging stars who have already proven their worth in key international campaigns.
Jean-Jacques Boissy leads the charge, a product of the prestigious NBA Academy Africa. Boissy has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing his talents on multiple platforms. His standout moment came during the 2024 BAL, where he delivered a jaw-dropping 28-point performance against Petro de Luanda, one of the competition's powerhouses. Most recently, Boissy played a pivotal role in Urunani's strong showing in the Road to BAL, with a Division record 37 points against JKT to further cement his reputation as a rising star. His two-way capabilities make him a key player in Senegal's quest to reclaim continental glory.
Adding depth to the squad is Karim Mané, a versatile guard with NBA and G League experience. Known for his athleticism and court vision, Mané has been instrumental in strengthening Senegal's fast-paced game. His recent exploits with the ABC Fighters during the Elite 16 West Division—where they finished runners-up—underscore his ability to deliver under pressure. With his ability to adapt to both backcourt positions, Mané is expected to be a driving force in Senegal's offence.
Also worth watching is Brancou Badio, whose sharpshooting and leadership have made him an asset in European and African competitions. Badio's consistency in big moments ensures that Senegal will have a steady hand in critical situations.
At the helm is head coach Desagana Diop, a former NBA center with a wealth of experience. Diop's approach blends aggressive defence with a structured offensive system, allowing the team to balance physicality with precision. His leadership has revitalized Senegal's playstyle, making it a formidable unit.
The team's opener against Rwanda will set the tone for their campaign. Historically, Senegal holds a 4-1 advantage in their head-to-head encounters, but Rwanda's steady improvement poses a challenge. Against Gabon, Senegal steps into uncharted territory, as the two teams rarely meet in high-stakes contests. Gabon, hungry to return to AfroBasket since 2015, will likely be an unpredictable opponent.
The clash with Cameroon promises to be the group’s showpiece. Cameroon has proven to be a tough adversary, ranked just one spot behind Senegal in Africa (9th vs. 8th). The memory of their 80-74 victory in the 2023 Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament is still fresh, adding a layer of tension to this anticipated rematch.
For Senegal, this game represents a chance for redemption and a crucial step toward group dominance.
With a roster brimming with talent, a tactically adept coach, and a hunger to reclaim their former glory, Senegal enters the qualifiers as contenders and as a team determined to write another chapter in their illustrious basketball history.
[Imagery/Photography : Courtesy of FIBA, Basket 221]
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