Ivan Almeida and Other BAL Standouts Who Deserve a Summer League Shot
BAL stars shined in 2025, but 36-year-old Ivan Almeida stood out. A leader on and off the court, he proves age doesn't define value. He deserves a spot in NBA Summer League.
As the 2025 BAL season concluded, the spotlight on incredible African talent grew brighter. With the NBA Summer League set for July 10–20 in Las Vegas, several BAL athletes — rising stars and seasoned pros — have made a compelling case for inclusion:
But standing out most of all is Ivan Almeida, the Cape-Verdian athlete whose impact defies his age.
Why Almeida Belongs in Vegas
• Ever‑present leader: At 36, he led not only in minutes per game (37.5) — the most in BAL this season — but also anchored Kriol Star on both ends of the floor, defensively and offensively.
• He is a statistical all‑rounder: Averaged 17.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, and led the league with 48 free throws made (81.4%). He even notched his first-career triple-double, while juggling four positions in a short‑handed roster.
• Almeida's leadership is inspiring: A co‑founder, with his brother and teammate Joel, of Kriol Star — a team rooted in charity and community transformation. That mission-driven foundation underscores leadership beyond the court.
• Breaking conventional barriers: Summer League is traditionally a showcase for youth. Almeida's inclusion would send a bold message: performance, heart, and leadership remain valuable, no matter the age.
From Boissy's two-way dominance to Diarra's rim protection, and Lenard Jr.'s versatility, the BAL is packed with players deserving of NBA attention. But Almeida isn't just another athlete: He's a symbol of resilience, versatility, and purpose.
If the Summer League champions excellence and if it's meant to recognize both potential and performance, then inviting Ivan Almeida would be more than a reward. It would be a statement. Because basketball isn't just about where you're going. It's also about how far you've come and who you uplift along the way.
Media Contact
Company Name: SNW
Contact Person: John Dixon
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: http://www.successnews.world
Press Release Distributed by ABNewswire.com
To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Ivan Almeida and Other BAL Standouts Who Deserve a Summer League Shot
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
3 things to look for as the Philadelphia 76ers begin the summer league
The Philadelphia 76ers will begin the summer league on Saturday when they take on the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. They will play three games in Utah before heading to Las Vegas on July 10 to play at least five games out there. The Sixers will be looking to see what they have in their younger pieces. The final score doesn't matter much in summer league--although there are the summer league playoffs in Vegas for those who care--as it is all about development and growth. It allows the rookies to make a good first impression and allows the second-year players to take steps forward in their respective games. Advertisement As the Sixers begin play in Utah, here are three things to look for throughout the summer league: VJ Edgecombe as a point guard Mar 13, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) drives to the basket around Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Elijah Hawkins (3) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images Edgecombe is more of a shooting guard, but versatility is a huge part of today's NBA, and if the Sixers can develop him into a ball-handler, then that changes things in the backcourt. Philadelphia is all about the growth of the youngsters at the moment, and Edgecombe taking steps forward as a ball-handler and playmaker makes things easier for everybody on offense. He has the athleticism to get by any defender and a real pop when he rises up to the basket so the Sixers want to take advantage of that by putting the ball in his hands. Adem Bona shooting 3s Oct 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona (30) in action against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bona was seen working on his 3-point shot while at summer league practice and is looking to grow as a player. When considering this is the summer league, it would behoove the Sixers to look into growing Bona as a player who can knock down looks in the corner. He is a tireless worker who is looking to expand his game and the summer league is the perfect time to let him fire it up without any fear of being sent to the bench or anything like that. The Sixers need help on the frontline and will be looking to Bona to take that next step. Adding this aspect of his game would be a big help. Johni Broome at power forward Feb 11, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) dunks the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images The Sixers selected Broome with the No. 35 pick in the 2025 NBA draft and some question what his true position really is. Some believe he is an undersized center due to a lack of quickness to play the 4 while most believe he can play the power forward spot due to his soft touch on the offensive end and his high basketball IQ. The Sixers will experiment with him at both big man spots and see what he can do. Either way, Broome should be closer to the basket due to his high offensive rebounding rates and how he can create many extra possessions for Philadelphia. That will be a big development. This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 3 things to look for as the Philadelphia 76ers begin the summer league
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lakers rumors: Shams gets brutally honest on LeBron James ‘moment of truth'
The post Lakers rumors: Shams gets brutally honest on LeBron James 'moment of truth' appeared first on ClutchPoints. LeBron James may have recently opted in for his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season. However, instead of quelling rumors about his immediate future, the move has only increased the noise, with James understood to be monitoring the Lakers' offseason closely. Advertisement As things stand, James will be a free agent at the end of next season, when he will look to sign a new contract. Whether that is with his current team or a new one remains to be seen. However, much will depend on whether he can compete for a championship as he winds down towards the end of a storied career. The Lakers are clearly prioritizing a future that centers around Luka Doncic, which according to Shams Charania, James understands. Rob Pelinka and co. are currently looking to not only sign a center in free agency, but are also looking to add wing depth. However, they want to do so while ensuring that they have max salary space in 2027. 'But for his part, at this point in his career, at his age at 40 years old going on 41, he wants to compete for a championship. Wherever that may be, in Los Angeles or there are conversations to be had at another point,' Shams said on SportsCenter. These decisions will not only decide whether the Lakers can compete for the championship next season, but also whether LeBron ends up staying. Describing the scenario as a 'moment of truth' between the team and James, Charania claimed that LeBron is clearly motivated by one thing: competing for another ring. Advertisement 'LeBron is very closely evaluating essentially, how this goes with the Lakers, and where he would want his career to be as he winds down, whether he has one year left, two years, or three years left. What we are seeing right now is essentially a moment of truth between LeBron James and the Lakers,' he said. The Lakers tipped off their free agency with the signing of Jake LaRavia on a two-year, $12 million deal. However, with the roster begging for a starting center ever since the departure of Anthony Davis, the Lakers have seen the likes of Clint Capela and Brook Lopez sign new contracts elsewhere in recent days. With LeBron James keenly watching the front office's every move, fans might get more clarity only once this 'moment of truth' passes. Related: Lakers rumors: Bucks' Myles Turner move clears way for Deandre Ayton Advertisement Related: NBA rumors: How much money Lakers sent to Bulls in 2025 NBA Draft trade
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lakers fans up in arms over 2027 rumors
The post Lakers fans up in arms over 2027 rumors appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Los Angeles Lakers are undoubtedly traversing through an extremely crucial offseason. LeBron James has opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season but is understood to be 'monitoring' the front office closely as he continues to consider his future past the upcoming season. Advertisement Recently, the Lakers passed on the opportunity to re-sign Dorian Finney-Smith to a long-term contract, as he instead signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets. With the roster begging for immediate upgrades, especially in the form of a starting center, rumors suggest that the front office is instead attempting to maintain cap flexibility for the 2027 season. ''We want to position ourselves for Luka's co-star two full seasons from now' is a truly insane message. I know the point is to remain employed, Rob, but that's diabolical,' wrote Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, as rumors continue to suggest that the Lakers are aiming to have cap space for a max contract in 2027, instead of making immediate roster upgrades. That will not only irk James, who is looking to immediately compete for a championship, but it also seems to have frustrated fans, who want to see their team compete in the upcoming season as well. '2027 stuff for Lakers timeline just doesn't add up. You want clean books in 2027, one way to do that is to not have LeBron or Luka around anymore,' one X user wrote, suggesting that if the Lakers end up not making the necessary moves this offseason, they may run the risk of losing either Doncic or James. Advertisement This narrative is fueled further by the Lakers' decision to sign Jake LaRavia on a short-term, two-year deal. The Lakers are seemingly looking to avoid long-term commitments for the time being in order to maintain flexibility down the line, which may be a result of the uncertainty surrounding the roster. Should the Lakers opt for long-term flexibility? With James approaching the end of his career and looking to keep tabs on what the Lakers' front office does this offseason, the decision on long-term roster flexibility may be out of Rob Pelinka's hands. If James decides that L.A. is not able to build a team capable of competing in the present, he may plot his exit from the team. If that were to happen, the Lakers would need to sign another max contract superstar to combine with Doncic. However, by forgoing future flexibility in a bid to build a team capable of winning now, the Lakers may be left in a difficult position if James decides he wants to play somewhere else. So by not making moves to improve the team's depth at center and the wing, the front office is sending a message. Advertisement This decision may irk fans, but it is seemingly aimed at ensuring the Lakers stay competitive moving forward, regardless of how LeBron's career ends. That and the constant criticism from fans might be something that Pelinka has to start ignoring for the time being. Related: Why Lakers are clear but reluctant Deandre Ayton favorite over Warriors, Pacers Related: Kevin Durant, LeBron James joke about evolution of the NBA
