Team Profile: Get ready for an electrifying showdown as the Cote d'Ivoire basketball team, fondly known as Les Éléphants, gears up for the highly anticipated 2025 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers! With a rich history and a legacy of excellence in African basketball, they're poised to make their mark once again.
Last Updated on
February 18, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
The Cote d'Ivoire basketball team, nicknamed Les Éléphants, has a rich history and a series of achievements that testify to its reputation for excellence on the African continent. With two African championship titles to its name, won in 1981 and 1985, the team has also demonstrated its consistency by finishing AfroBasket runners-up in on six occasions, notably in 1978, 1980, 2009, 2013, 2015 and most recently in 2021.
The 2021 FIBA AfroBasket campaign in Kigali was a highlight for Les Éléphants. Under the guidance of veteran coach Natxo Lezkano, the team demonstrated an exceptional level of play by reaching the final, where they lost to Tunisia, but left an indelible mark on the continent with their admirable run.
The team distinguishes itself with a style of play that blends athleticism and explosiveness. The Ivorians have embraced this same physical approach, employing swift play and maintaining constant pressure on their opponents. This dynamic is reinforced by a well-balanced mix of experienced players and young talent, establishing them as a formidable presence on the African basketball stage.
Among the team's key figures, Baskonia and Euroleague star Matt Costello, with his inner strength and rebounding ability, is an undisputed leader on the court. Souleymane Diabaté, who played for Petro de Luanda in the 2023 season of the Basketball Africa League, is a talented and experienced point guard who will play a crucial role as a playmaker. Promising winger Mike Fofana and skilful point guard Siré Dieng will also add their own flair to the team's play.
The Elephants' ambitions extend beyond their past performances. By aiming to shine at the upcoming 2025 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers, the team aims to consolidate its position among the top African basketball nations. With a talented generation and the leadership of an experienced coach, the team is well positioned to reach greater heights in the years to come.
The team's standout moment came with its memorable performance at the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket tournament, signifying a renaissance for Ivorian basketball. Their second-place finish in Kigali went beyond mere sporting success, reigniting fans' support and bolstering the players' confidence, fostering a positive trajectory for the future. Their recent achievement at the AfroCan in Angola in July 2023 further underscores their growth.
The challenges ahead at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers, where the team will face formidable opponents such as Egypt, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic, will provide an opportunity to demonstrate their determination and ability to compete at the highest level. With a glorious past, undeniable potential and a determined team, the Elephants are ready to write new chapters of success on the African basketball scene and beyond.
[Photo Credit: FIBA]
