U23 Players to Watch in AfroBasket Qualifiers Window 3
Previews of several NBA draft-eligible players who will participate in the final window of FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers.
Africa continues to rise with respect to basketball, and the evidence is the sheer volume of great players joining their national teams for some of the most competitive competitions in the world. In addition to the established players are a few young players sprinkled in, ready to carry the torch to the next generation.
Qualifying tournaments are usually a great avenue for testing young and new players in an international competition with relatively low stakes. What makes this competition significant is that it is the final qualifier ahead of AfroBasket 2025. Teams will play their most competitive brand of basketball in hopes of securing a ticket to the tournament, so the inclusion of several players under 23 years old speaks volumes to their talent levels.
Six U23 Players to Watch
Ousmane N’Diaye | 2004 | 6’11” | F | Senegal | Baskonia (ESP)
Making the most in the minutes he receives, Ousmane N’Diaye is a play finisher, ball mover, and capable spacer who has the ability to diversify between the pick and roll, and the pick and pop. N’Diaye does a good job of sprinting into slot ball screens and spacing to the deep corners where he is decisive in decision making moments. Though not sporting a high volume for Baskonia, N’Diaye is a willing floor spacer. Look for N’Diaye to have the confidence to attempt and force defenses to respect his skillset during this AfroBasket window.
Mathias M’Madi | 2005 | 6’4” | G | Madagascar | CB Moron (ESP)
The smooth and always cool point guard from Madagascar has been on our radar for a few years now. Making the move from the junior college ranks of Seward County (Liberal, Kansas) to CB Basquet Moron in Spain has been easier than anticipated.
Though CB Moron has struggled this year M’Madi has shown a scoring surge in the past 4 games averaging 14.5 PPG. His game is one of pace, look for M’Madi to create advantages for himself and others while scoring from unique angles and seemingly awkward positions.
Assémian Moularé | 2003 | 6’0” | PG | Côte d'Ivoire | JA Vichy Clermont (FRA)
Though he is the selection’s youngest player, Moularé has so much national team experience, playing significant minutes in window after window. His devastating first steps opens up the rest of his game. He creates advantages and then makes reads from there through creating for others. Moularé is a spark who can heat up in a hurry through drives to the rim or outside shooting.
Younes Boukichou | 2004 | 6’4” | PG | Morocco | Brussels Basket (BLG)
A lead guard with great size, Boukichou is capable of playing on or off the ball thanks to his excellent vision and aggressive playmaking mindset. Boukichou also brings intensity on the defensive end, pressuring full court and looking for steals and charges. A creative penetrator, he loves getting in the paint and figuring it out from there. The shooting still needs work to fall consistently.
Yannick Nzosa | 2003 | 6’10” | C | Democratic Republic of Congo | Fuenlabrada (ESP)
The 2022 Washington Wizards draft pick Yannick Nzosa is finally starting to find his groove as a professional. The long play finisher moves well, runs the floor, and has historically been a good drop off target. His biggest strength has been his defensive versatility and the ability to switch onto guards and contain them before blocking an attempt at the rim.
Jerry Rabibisoa | 2004 | 6’8” | F | Madagascar | Nancy Espoirs (FRA)
Rabibisoa is excellent in transition and is shooting an EFG % at a respectable 44.7% ,while his TS% is at 47.5%. What allows Rabibisoa to have such success in transition is his ability to sprint with purpose. He is able to play off 2 feet with physicality allows him to embrace contact and finish.
