“Too Early” African Big Board (v.1)
A preseason version of our board featuring the world's best available African draft prospects from around the world, and their projected professional ceilings.
As the next basketball season rapidly approaches, scouts have a keen eye on the next crop of NBA draft-eligible prospects.
Given our lens, we compiled a board of more than 90 players of African backgrounds who have a professional outlook.
Like our last one, this big board series is meant to serve as a resource for NBA, international and G League player evaluation. It could even be referenced for the next time the NCAA transfer portal opens.
Players are ranked in best available order, with their ceiling listed as well. The ceiling is our determination based on if players go pro after this season, even if they are realistically two seasons away. A projected 2026 first rounder who is eligible this year could be seen as a two-way candidate in the 2025 draft cycle, for example.
The possible ceilings for each player include the following:
Top five
Top ten
Lottery
First round
Second round
Two-way
International/G League
This board’s “lottery” (the first 14 prospects) is available to all. Upgrade your subscription to access to the full, 91-player long big board.
1. Nolan Traoré
6’4” | PG | St. Quentin (France)
Ceiling: Top five
African country: Mali
2. Khaman Maluach
7’2” | C | Duke
Ceiling: Top ten
African country: South Sudan
3. Kwame Evans
6’9” | F | Oregon
Ceiling: Lottery
African country: Ghana
4. Noa Essengue
6’9” | F | Ratiopharm Ulm
Ceiling: Lottery
African country: Cameroon
5. Adou Thiero
6’8” | SG/SF | Arkansas
Ceiling: First Round
African country: Mali
6. Jack Kayil
6’4” | PG | KK Mega Mis
Ceiling: First Round
African country: Ghana
7. Christ Essandoko
7’0” | C | Providence
Ceiling: First Round
African country: Democratic Republic of Congo
8. Michael Ajayi
6’7” | SF | Gonzaga
Ceiling: First Round
African country: Nigeria
9. Aboubacar Traoré
6’5” | SF | Louisville
Ceiling: First Round
African country: Côte d’Ivoire
10. Baye Ndongo
6’9” | PF | Georgia Tech
Ceiling: First Round
African country: Senegal
11. Garwey Dual
6’3” | CG | Seton Hall
Ceiling: First Round
African country: South Sudan
12. Adama Bal
6’7” | SG | Santa Clara
Ceiling: First Round
African country: Mali
13. Otega Oweh
6’5” | SG | Kentucky
Ceiling: First Round
African country: Nigeria
14. Malik Dia
6’9” | PF | Ole Miss
Ceiling: First Round
African country: Senegal
