NextGen EuroLeague Ulm: African Players to Watch

A deep pool of talent from the continent (and with not-so-distant ties to it) is expected in this leg of competition.

Feb 04, 2025

Adam Atamna suiting up for ASVEL last season. Photo: BeBasket.fr

After two slightly underwhelming initial rounds of Adidas NextGen EuroLeague action, the Ulm qualifier is sure to be more competitive between all teams present.

In addition to more stacked teams, this field also hosts a large number of players of African backgrounds. Find free previews on some of the notable players within.

Adam Atamna | ASVEL

6’5” | G | 2007 | France/Algeria

Atamna is a confident, score-first lead guard who has grown up in ASVEL’s system before being loaned to their partner club LyonSO. His frame and skill allow him to score on multiple levels without neglecting playmaking duties for others. Atamna recently returned from injury and showed why he is one of the most promising French prospects, turning in 13 points in the final five minutes of their last game. In his third NextGen tournament, he will likely continue along his productive trajectory and contend for a spot in the all-tournament team.

Giannis Odzebe | NGT

6’5” | SF | 2008 | Congo

The athletic perimeter attacker could be in for a true breakout after a one-year break from NextGen tournament action. As a 14 year old, he turned in solid numbers two years ago and he has looked even more dominant this season for Orange1 Basket Bassano in Italy. Though he’s fearless when driving to the rim, Odzebe also possesses a good looking jump shot, both of which could help him land in the all-tournament team should things break right.

Abdrahamane Kone | Barcelona

6’10” | C | 2009 | Mali

Strong and powerful, Kone showed efficient scoring ability and soft hands in his last NextGen experience and has produced well to start the season in Spain’s fourth professional league. He leverages his body well, shielding himself from defenders to gather rebounds and scoring opportunities. His light feed and quick hands allow him to nab steals and make solid passes when necessary.

Mohamed Dabone | Barcelona

6’10” | F/C | 2011 | Burkina Faso

After a loud introduction to NextGen competition a season ago and dominant performances at every level this season, Dabone is expected to continue to show his superior athletic ability on this stage. Physical tools plus the coordination he has consistently shown with them make him a candidate for one of this tournament’s top players. He has continued to improve his processing, helping his athleticism stand out even more.

Sayon Keita | Barcelona

7’0” | C | 2008 | Mali

Keita has shown nothing short of dominant numbers in previous NextGen tournaments, averaging a near double-double with three blocks per game for his career. He overwhelms with his sheer length, but protects the paint with great timing on contests as well. On offense, he is a play-finisher as a roll man, off rebounds and at times in the mid-post area.

Cherif Ndiaye | ASVEL

6’8” | F | 2009 | Senegal

One of the most intriguing young prospects in France, Ndiaye’s combination of length, youth, and ball skills make him a player to keep watch on. Though this will be his first NextGen tournament, he has familiarity with many of his teammates since he has been in ASVEL’s system for the past three years. He is easily an above the rim finisher but also has a solid outside shot when he has to use it. He has shown improvement handling the ball as well.

El Hadji Deme | NGT

6’11” | C | 2007 | Senegal

Deme uses his legth to carve out position down low, and has shown an ability to knock down turnaround jumpers in the mid post as well as spot up shots from the perimeter. His style can seem a bit unorthodox but he has been effective for Reggio Emilia.

Bacary Doucoure | Dubai

6’9” | F/C | 2010 | Senegal

As newcomers to the competition, the Dubai Falcons picked up Doucoure from Senegal’s SEED Academy to help bolster their frontcourt. The lengthy big man gets off his feet quickly to chase offensive rebounds, and finds ways to score in the post despite a lighter build.