U18 EuroBasket: African Standouts and Breakouts
Highlighting some of the top players of African heritage from U18 EuroBasket Divisions A and B.
With a loaded 2025 NBA draft class taking shape, this year’s edition of FIBA U18 EuroBaket was arguably the most anticipated international youth event of the year. Potential lottery picks were challenged on a game-by-game basis by up and coming prospects, making for an ultra competitive tournament.
Players of African descent were sprinkled across many of the rosters, and a large number of them performed well in many different areas. Read on to learn about who we thought stood out and made names for themselves.
DIVISION A
Nolan Traoré | 2006 | 6’4” | PG | France (Mali)
Traore’s superb decision making was on full display from day one. Though it took him a few games to get his scoring going, he always let the game come to him and took exactly what the defense gave him. He used his typical burst to drive, which opened up passing lanes. His gaudy assist totals (9.3 per game) led all players and helped open things up for his in-between game, allowing him to score more efficiently in the later stages of competition.
Declan Duru | 2007 | 6’7” | SF | Germany (Nigeria)
After a disappointing U17 World Cup showing, Duru capped his busy summer by being a crucial young piece of the U18 European championship team. His feel for the game at his young age is impressive as he showed he was capable of being a star or starring in his role. From the wing he passes well, rebounds and can score at multiple levels.
Noa Essengue | 2006 | 6’9” | F/C | France (Cameroon)
Essengue showed many of the qualities that have him considered a top forward prospect in this class, slashing to the rim in few dribbles, cleaning up missed shots with outbacks and erasing opposing attempts. His length is undeniable and he took advantage of it at both ends of the court.
Corentin Efono | 2006 | 6’4” | PG | Belgium
Poised and complete, this lead guard has a mature style of play for his young age. Reminiscent of Andre Miller, Efono excelled at getting paint touches, controlling the pace in the PnR and shifting defenders before making the right passing read or finishing efficiently. He was always under control and had an acute understanding of player and floor spacing on offense and defense. Efono also showed great effort defensively and hustling for loose balls.
Samuel Obenjo | 2006 | 6’10” | F | Sweden (Kenya)
A wing forward who provides energy and capable scoring, Obenjo moves well with and without the ball, showing comfort all over the court as well as on the glass. He finds open teammates well and has a nose for the ball. His size and versatility allowed him to play anywhere between the 2 and 4 positions on both sides of the ball. Quick on his feet with long arms, Obenjo corralled many loose balls and deflections.
Mohamed Diakite | 2006 | 6’9” | F | France
Diakite flashed his defensive prowess, containing the perimeter and generally creating havoc in the half court before getting out in transition. Longtime teammate Nolan Traore continued to set him up but he also flashed some self-creation and shotmaking ability despite unimpressive efficiency overall.
Elmeri Abbey | 2006 | 6’0” | PG | Finland (Nigeria)
A defensive pest, the heady lead guard used his quickness to penetrate and find teammates or the rim. Shaped like a running back, he used his stature to his advantage, beating slower defenders off the dribble. Abbey often made quick decisions and got teammates involved as his assist numbers didn’t accurately reflect his passing skill.
Dame Sarr | 2006 | 6’5” | G | Italy (Senegal)
Sarr had a few big outings where he showed the exciting two-way athleticism that has enticed scouts for years. He needs to work on consistency and his touch to improve his efficiency especially given his physical tools. Overall, he was indispensable to this Italian team and showed leadership by taking on tough assignments and constantly being in attack mode.
Aaron Ekwere | 2006 | 6’5” | SF | Finland (Nigeria)
A strong and athletic wing-defender, Ekwere give maximum effort, keeping his hands ready for arrant balls. A solid complementary piece, he was one of the glue guys on the overachieving Finnish team.
Elisee Assui | 2006 | 6’6” | SF | Italy
Assui’s physicality wore on offensive players as he paired his strength with quick feet to be a perimeter defensive stopper. He gained momentum driving downhill, which helped him bump into defenders and get to the free throw line on many occasions.
Nathaniel Nzonyansi | 2006 | 6’0” | PG | France
The point guard showed great timing on his passes whether he was feeding a roller or a replace man. One of the competition’s top assist men, Nzonyansi’s connective decision making helped Sweden’s offense run smoothly. He routinely fed the hot hand and made the right reads.
Yohann Sissoko | 2006 | 6’5” | G | France
Sissoko was a blur when he found a way to get downhill. He played limited minutes and playing beside Traore meant limited opportunity as well but he found a way to impact the game offensively.
