Basketball Without Borders Global: African Players to Watch
What to expect from some of the world’s top U18 African players at BWB Global.
Every year, Basketball Without Borders gathers some of the top under-18 basketball players in the world to compete in their Global event during NBA All-Star weekend. Alumni go on to achieve some of the highest levels of basketball, as many current NBA players first made their mark on this stage.
This year will be no different, with a loaded class of 2007-born phenoms from around the globe. The African contingent is a strong one, representing players born on the continent, as well as players born abroad with African roots. The majority of these high-level athletes already have years of national team experience and have participated in previous Basketball Without Borders camps in their regions.
With this event being a precursor to these players’ future success in the sport, here’s a brief preview of what we can expect from each of them on this stage.
Arafan Diane
7’0” | C | Iowa United (USA) | Guinea
An imposing physical force, Diane is a big body with good hands and light feet. Dominant on the block, he led the U17 World Cup field in double-doubles, punishing defenders inside. He has shown passing and outside shooting flashes as well. To continue to raise his stock, he could expand upon those flashes and operate more effectively in the short roll area.
Paul Ater Maker Bol
6’9” | G/F | Brewster Academy (USA) | South Sudan/Spain
A versatile offensive weapon, Paul Ater Maker Bol moves very well as a long wing scorer. Capable of moving between guard and forward spots, he becomes a mismatch by attacking big men with speed and skill or beating out guards with his length. He most often relies on his outside jump shot at this point. Bol can raise his stock by gaining more strength and working on his shot prep to achieve a quicker, more compact shooting motion and get it off before rotating defenses recover.
Ikenna Alozie
6’2” | G | Dream City Christian (USA) | Nigeria
Alozie is a powerful guard who penetrates and creates downhill moments from nothing. His length and athleticism allow him to finish above the rim, and he has a good enough shot to pull up off the dribble or catch and shoot from deep. As a shorter guard, Alozie will need to improve his playmaking to take the next step in his development.
Endurance Aiyamenkhue
6’10” | C | Ratiopharm Ulm (GER) | Netherlands/Nigeria
Aiyamenkhue recently showed a newly aggressive side to his game at Adidas NextGen EuroLeague as he produced efficient points and rebounds to land in the all-tournament team. A savvy roll man who finishes well above the rim, he attacks the glass incessantly. If Aiyamenkhue’s newfound motor can be consistently maintained, he will look very appealing to teams.
Noa Kouakou-Heugue
6’8” | F | INSEP (FRA) | France/
A combo forward, Kouakou-Heugue is at his best in the open floor due to his athleticism. His coordination and solid touch also make him a viable option in the half court as well. Kouakou-Heugue has good reaction times on defense, stretching out quickly for blocks. Consistent production will see Kouakou-Heugue rise up the ranks.
David Ugonna Ike
6’11” | C | NBA Academy Africa (SEN) | Nigeria
A fundamentally sound big man with a wealth of high-level experience already, Ike has a no-nonsense approach to his game. He gets good position in the post, rolls well to the rim or in the short roll and generally makes good decisions. Ike has shown good shooting touch out to three point range.
Ajak Nyuon
6’10” | F | Centre of Excellence (AUS) | Australia/South Sudan
Nyuon has tools to become a prospect once strength and skill catch up. Extremely long arms with good dexterity help Nyuon get to the paint and finish above the rim. Defensively, he helps well and is tough to get a shot off against.
Mading Kuany
6’7” | F | NBA Global Academy (AUS) | Australia/South Sudan
Kuany has the size and mindset to be a top shelf role-playing wing. He has shown shooting prowess from deep, an attacking mindset without over-dribbling, and defensive playmaking tendencies due to his long wingspan.
Ali Assran
6’9” | F | NBA Academy Africa (SEN) | Egypt
One of the more complete forwards in Africa, Assran’s high IQ along with his motor make him a high-floor prospect. He rebounds well and can score in different areas, but he is a consummate glue-guy who can fill whatever needs his team is looking for on either side of the ball.
Promis N’landu
6’2” | G | Fort Erie International Academy (CAN) | Canada/Namibia
A polished and complete lead guard from a skill standpoint, N’landu is more of a scorer at this point. His mechanics look good even if efficiency wanes at times. If his playmaking can improve significantly, it will make a difference in N’landu’s standing.
Tutjiek “TJ” Wal
6’4” | G | Archbishop O’Leary Catholic (CAN) | Canada/South Sudan
Wal has good size for a lead guard but can be considered a combo. His length and aggression help him finish creatively in the paint, and he is a capable shooter off the ball. Though unselfish, he still has improvements to make as a playmaker.
Theophilus “Theo” Edema
7’0” | C | Cushing Academy (USA) | Nigeria
Edema is a long 7-footer who imposes his will with sheer length. Almost strictly an above the rim finisher, he runs the floor well and is looking more and more comfortable in half court and transition situations alike.
Heri Bukinga
6’11” | C | DME Academy (USA) | Democratic Republic of Congo
Long but with a slight frame, Bukinga is more craft than force. He finishes over and around defenders by using footwork in the post. Possesses a good motor to chase rebounds and protect the rim as well.
Ahmed Bedoui
6’6” | SG | NBA Academy Africa (SEN) | Tunisia
Bedoui is a good movement shooter who has also improved as a ball handler. Limited vertical athleticism has forced him to become craftier especially when finishing in the paint and getting shots off the dribble.