NextGen EuroLeague Munich: African Players to Watch
Spoiler alert: Real Madrid is very well-represented in this list.
With the start of the new year comes the next round of this season’s Adidas NextGen EuroLeague; this edition taking place in Munich. While not an extremely deep pool of players with African backgrounds, this group features a diverse range of unique skill sets.
Tournament favorites Real Madrid carry most of this leg’s representation at arguably every single position. Read on for previews on their players and the rest of the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Munich’s African players to watch.
Sidi Gueye | Real Madrid
6’9” | PF/C | 2007 | Senegal
One of the top prospects in Europe, Gueye seems primed to step into a focal role. The lengthy and agile big man blocks shots aggressively and is a versatile defender. On offense, he is relentless in the paint and has been working on extending his range. Gueye is also getting time on Real’s senior team in the ACB and EuroLeague.
Gildas Giménez | Real Madrid
6’6” | SF | 2007 | Spain/Burkina Faso
One of his class’s premier wing prospects, Giménez has gotten a wealth of experiences between action in Spain’s youth national teams, the ACB, and Real Madrid’s second team. He gets downhill at will, but is more than capable from distance. There has been a noticeable playmaking effort as well.
Samba Gueye | Cedevita
6’8” | F | 2008 | Senegal
Long arms and good mobility make Gueye a great utility player. He does most damage down low but has enough touch to knock down outside shots. Gueye devours rebounds and gathers steals, pushing in transition when he has the opportunity to. Competing in his second NextGen tournament, he is poised for a true breakout.
Declan Duru | Real Madrid
6’7” | F | 2007 | Germany/Nigeria
Fearless do-it-all forward Duru has been a regular on the international scene both with Germany’s national teams and Real Madrid. He exploits mismatches with his athleticism and ball skills while also setting up teammates and guarding well.
Obinna Ekufu | NGT Munich
6’5” | SF | 2008 | England/Nigeria
One of the first names announced for this NextGen team, Ekufu is also a breakout candidate. The wing plays intense defense and shows his athleticism on both ends of the floor. He shows good footwork and deceleration at the end of drives.
Amadou Traoré | Real Madrid
6’8” | PF/C | 2007 | Mali
The two-time U18 AfroBasket champion has been a glue-guy for his national and club teams, grabbing rebounds, being a connector and defending hard. An NGT vet, this competition will be Traoré’s fourth season participating.
Kyllian Michée | Real Madrid
6’0” | PG | 2007 | France/Democratic Republic of Congo
Michee is a crafty guard who finds seams in the defense to make plays. He’s shown good touch on passes and jump shots which he tends to rely on. In his second NextGen tournament, he’ll look to make more of an impact.
Mahamadou Landoure | Real Madrid
6’11” | C | 2009 | Mali
Dominant at the youth club level, Landoure is an intimidating force inside. In his first NextGen tournament, he’ll look to translate his presence to this level.
Ousmane Diarra | Real Madrid
6’9” | C | 2009 | Mali
Diarra will make his NGT debut and attempt to gain minutes among a (re)loaded frontcourt.
Daniel Osayi | Valencia
6’9” | Center | 2008 | Spain/Nigeria
Rising up the ranks of the Spanish youth and national team systems, Osayi is building his name as a top young center producing well in the country’s fourth division.