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Forbes
3 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Indiana's Surprise Finals Run Spotlights Pascal Siakam's Journey And The NBA's Growing Return On Its African Investment
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 31: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates the 125-108 win ... More against the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) When the Indiana Pacers punched their ticket to the NBA Finals, it was something of a Cinderella story, few had them pegged to go that far. Against the odds, they overcame tough opponents, with Pascal Siakam standing tall at the heart of their breakthrough. Just crowned Eastern Conference Finals MVP after powering the Pacers past the New York Knicks, Siakam has become the emblem of not only Indiana's surprising run but also the broader rise of African talent in the NBA. The Cameroonian forward's journey is extraordinary. From a chance visit to a Basketball Without Borders camp in South Africa, a detour from his initial path to pastoral school, to becoming a three-time NBA All-Star and 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, Siakam's rise mirrors the growing impact of the NBA's investments on the African continent. 'I've told Pascal's story so many times over the past two weeks,' NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum shared with and other media in a global call ahead of tonight's tip-off of the Playoffs, reflecting on Siakam's remarkable journey as a powerful reflection of why the league's investments in Africa are more than just developmental. 'Pascal was headed to pastoral school. He would've been the first 6'9" pastor in the world. But he went to BWB because he wanted to see his sister. And it was there that he got discovered.' 'That moment changed everything,' Tatum added. 'He's changed so many lives, going back to Cameroon, contributing his time and resources. It's a wonderful tribute to why we make the investments that we do in Africa. It literally changes lives. And Pascal is a living example of that.' NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 23: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against OG ... More Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 23, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo) Siakam's success is emblematic of a deeper transformation in the NBA's competitive landscape. With this year's Finals featuring the seventh different champion in seven seasons, the league has entered a new era, one where parity and possibility are just as important as legacy and dominance. 'I think that balanced competition is really good for fans around the world,' said Tatum. 'Going into the playoffs, you could pick any number of teams that could make a run. It doesn't mean dynasties are over, but what we've done with the CBA [Collective Bargaining Agreement] That parity, symbolised by Indiana and Oklahoma City's runs, parallels the global nature of the NBA's reach today. It's no longer just the big markets or marquee franchises that dominate headlines. The league is becoming more open, more unpredictable, and more representative of the global audience it serves. Africa is no longer just producing talent, it's shaping the future of the NBA. From NBA Academy Africa to the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the league has been laying the groundwork for sustainable player development, visibility, and local infrastructure. And it's working. 'Last year, Ulrich Chomche became the first NBA Academy Africa player to be drafted,' shared Tatum. 'This year, Khaman Maluach who went to Duke and is from South Sudan will likely be a first-round pick, maybe even a lottery pick. These players aren't just reaching the NBA; they're impacting the game.' The pathway is clearer than ever: from BAL exposure and Academy coaching to NCAA success or direct draft entries. Rueben Chinyelu, a Nigerian forward who also came through the Academy and BAL, recently won a national championship with the University of Florida. This is no longer a dream pipeline, it's a reality for a growing number of players across the continent. College Basketball: NCAA Finals: Florida Rueben Chinyelu (9) in action, cuts down the net following ... More victory vs Houston at the Alamo Dome. San Antonio, TX 4/7/2025 CREDIT: Greg Nelson (Photo by Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X164706 TK1) What makes this moment even more significant is the NBA's current era of parity. With the league now wide open, talent from non-traditional pipelines, like those emerging from Africa, can not only reach the NBA but contend for titles. The right mix of development, opportunity, and team structure can now lead to playoff success, regardless of where the journey begins. Few understand this better than Kita 'Thierry' Matungulu, Director of Basketball Operations for NBA Africa, who witnessed Pascal Siakam's rise firsthand. Pascal Siakam At The Basketball Without Borders Camp Held In South Africa In 2012 'It's terrific to see Pascal Siakam's journey. I've been part of the 2012 camp which Pascal came through,' Matungulu said. 'To see the growth from grassroots to the NBA is an incredible journey and a story of hope. Through the NBA Academy, many young players are progressing to the NBA or top universities. We've made great strides in growing basketball on the continent and look forward to more young Pascal Siakams.' His words reflect not only the promise but the tangible progress being made. As the league's landscape flattens, the African pipeline is no longer on the margins, it's becoming a central part of the championship conversation. For each rising star, Siakam's path is more than a symbol, it's proof that Africa is not just a source of talent, but a stage for excellence. The shift in competition has also brought a surge in engagement. This season's playoffs are among the most-watched in recent memory, with the Eastern Conference Final, where Siakam earned MVP honours, drawing the highest viewership in seven years. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 31: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates the 125-108 win ... More against the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) 'We're seeing record numbers across TV, digital, and social media,' said Tatum. 'What's exciting is that market size is no longer the barrier it used to be. Players and teams from so-called 'small markets' are building global audiences.' That evolution matters for Africa. It means that an African star doesn't need to play in New York or Los Angeles to become a household name. With today's digital platforms and international distribution, fans across the continent can follow their heroes, whether they're in Indiana, Toronto, or beyond. Even as Siakam and the Pacers battle it out with OKC, his success reverberates far beyond Indiana. Back home, he's known for his community outreach, youth programs, and ongoing engagement in Cameroon. His story, like those of the late Dikembe Mutombo, reminds us that basketball success doesn't stop with a contract, it extends to community upliftment. 'These investments literally change lives,' Tatum said. 'Pascal gives his time and resources back. He's not just a champion, he's someone whose impact is felt well beyond the court.' That's why the league is investing not only in elite talent but also in creating the ecosystem that allows for long-term success, academies, coaching clinics, media exposure, and league infrastructure. Pascal Siakam didn't come through a traditional pipeline. He wasn't groomed at an elite U.S. high school or hyped as a can't-miss prospect. His journey began with a camp visit in South Africa and was powered by talent, opportunity, and vision. Today, that vision is taking root across the continent. With the BAL in its fifth season, the Academy producing draft picks, and African-born stars leading franchises into the Finals, the NBA's investment in Africa is no longer experimental. It's essential. And as Siakam laces up for another shot at the title, millions of young Africans will see him not just as a star, but as proof that their dreams have global reach.
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Mouhamed Camara Commits To Louisville, Ready To Build On NBA Academy Africa Alumni's Impact
KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 20: Mouhamed Camara #15 of Made By Ball Basketball poses for a portrait during ... More the Nile Conference group media day on May 20, 2025 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images) The University of Louisville has landed a new international commit whose journey embodies more than just talent, it represents the rising promise of Africa's basketball ecosystem. Mouhamed Camara's commitment is not only a personal milestone but also a continuation of the strong legacy forged by NBA Academy Africa alumni in recent years. Camara's development was shaped over three pivotal years at SEED Academy, where he built the mindset and foundation necessary for elite-level basketball. His breakout came in 2023 at the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp, where he earned Defensive MVP honours, a performance that secured him a coveted spot at NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, marking a crucial turning point in his growth. Since then, Camara has continued to hone his skills on major stages, participating in the 2024 NBA Academy Winter Tour, the 2025 NBA Academy Northeast Tour, and the 2024 NBA Academy Games. His outstanding play culminated in being named MVP of the 2024 NBA Academy Showcase, cementing his status as a high-potential forward. As he now prepares for the next step, moving to the U.S. for college, Camara's journey comes full circle. After competing with South Africa's MBB in the Basketball Africa League's (BAL) recent Nile Conference, he returns to South Africa for the BAL Showcase, the country where he first captured international attention at BWB Africa. Each chapter of his development has shaped not only the player but also the person he is becoming. In an interview with Camara shared more about his time under Sam Vincent, his commitment to Louisville, learning from NBA Academy Alumni as well as his time at the NBA Academy. KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 20: Head Coach Sam Vincent of Made By Ball Basketball celebrates after the game ... More against Nairobi City Thunder during the Nile Conference group play on May 20, 2025 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE via Getty Images) This season in The BAL gave Camara the chance to be coached by Sam Vincent, a former NBA champion. Vincent's leadership added a crucial element to the countless hours of training provided by the Academy coaches over the years. Under his guidance, Camara was able to apply those lessons in a competitive, high-stakes environment. Even when faced with early losses, he developed new levels of focus and professionalism. "Coach Sam just wanted to win," Camara stated."He was always thinking about winning. That's something I took from him." Playing with MBB was not just another stop before college; it reinforced everything he had worked on at the Academy."It was nothing different," Camara explained regarding his adjustment to BAL competition. "At the [NBA] Committing to the University of Louisville was a decision rooted in trust and mutual belief. "Louisville is a great program," Camara said. "Coach Pat Kelsey is different in the way he thinks, the way he talks to me, and just the confidence he has in me. It's a winning team." He becomes only the second NBA Academy Africa prospect to commit to Louisville, following former Cardinals center Emmanuel Okorafor. Camara understands that the road ahead will be challenging, but he is ready. In the recent Nile Conference, he recorded 2 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block in just 9 minutes off the bench against Al Ahli Tripoli. This brief yet impactful performance showcased his ability to contribute quickly. KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 20: Teafale Lenard Jr. #6 of Made by Basketball looks on during the game ... More against the Nairobi City Thunder during the Nile Conference Group on May 20, 2025 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images) Throughout his journey, Camara has learned alongside elite peers. He played with Obadiah Noel, now with APR, in 2023 and more recently with Teafale Lenard Jr. during MBB's 2024 BAL campaign, both of whom have G League experience. Competing with and against such talent elevated his own standards. 'I learned from their mentality, that they compete every day,' Camara said. 'They want to beat everybody.' The NBA Academy has helped refine Camara's offensive skills, decision-making, shooting, passing, and ball control, and has taught him how to play within a system. 'The difference between you and the kid outside is how you approach the game,' he explained. 'Because in the Academy, they teach you how to play.' Camara draws inspiration from NBA Academy alumni like Ulrich Chomche and Khaman Maluach, who exemplified a strong work ethic by dedicating countless hours to skill development. Chomche made history in the 2024 NBA Draft as the first NBA Academy Africa prospect drafted, going 57th overall to the Memphis Grizzlies before being traded to the Toronto Raptors. He currently holds a two-way contract, averaging 8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists with Raptors 905. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 29: Khaman Maluach #9 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Alabama ... More Crimson Tide during the first half in the East Regional Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Prudential Center on March 29, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by) Meanwhile, Maluach is set to enter the 2025 NBA Draft as a top rim protector after a stellar freshman season at Duke, where he averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and shot 71.2% from the field in 21.3 minutes per game. 'They were working harder every day, using every opportunity,' Camara said, reflecting on his observations of players like Chomche and Maluach. 'They always wanted to go to the gym, and I saw them make a lot of progress.' Camara has also benefited from his experiences with Senegal's senior national team, learning from veterans like Babacar Sané and Jean-Jacques Boissy. 'They support me in everything. They're here for me,' he said, reflecting on how his national team experiences have contributed to his personal growth. With the BAL Showcase marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, Camara carries a unique blend of African tenacity, global exposure, and refined fundamentals. His decision to attend Louisville not only signals his readiness but also serves as an affirmation of the pathways being created across Africa for young athletes. 'Keep all my confidence up. Never lose my confidence. Beat everybody,' he stated, articulating his approach moving forward. Mouhamed Camara's commitment symbolises the success of an entire ecosystem. With Louisville in his sights, the journey that began in Senegal takes a giant leap forward, rooted in the lessons he's learned, the connections he's built, and the promise of an entire continent carried on his shoulders.
National Post
21-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Get to know Canadian hoops star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of NBA MVP announcement
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the betting favourite to be named NBA most valuable player on Wednesday evening, here's an explainer for the uninitiated of who he is, where he came from and the historic nature of his accomplishments. Article content BIOGRAPHY Article content Born July 12, 1998, in Toronto, Gilgeous-Alexander is the son of Charmaine Gilgeous, who competed for Antigua and Barbuda in the women's 400 metres at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, and Vaughn Alexander, a high school basketball star in Toronto who won a city championship for Georges Vanier Secondary and would go on to coach his son. Article content CAREER TRAJECTORY Article content A classic late bloomer who consistently exceeded expectations along the way, Gilgeous-Alexander's basketball path was far from linear. Article content He was cut from his Grade 9 junior team at Hamilton's St. Thomas More, but dominated at the midget level, winning MVP and a championship. He also attended Sir Allan MacNab Secondary in Hamilton before leaving for a school in Tennessee in search of bigger competitive challenges. Article content He impressed enough to earn a scholarship to Florida as a four-star recruit and was ranked 35th by ESPN in his high school class (cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker, his opponent in the Western Conference final this year was ranked 21st), but kept generating buzz after attending a Basketball Without Borders camp and was one of the youngest players to ever make Canada's senior men's national team in 2016. Article content That led to a new recruiting war that Kentucky eventually won. Even so, Gilgeous-Alexander initially was considered one of the lesser prospects of the seven Kentucky commits that year (all but two would make the NBA, but Gilgeous-Alexander has clearly become several levels above even the second-best recruit, Dallas big man P.J. Washington). Article content Article content Article content Article content Several teams became enamoured by him as he turned heads during the pre-draft process, including the Toronto Raptors, who tried to trade for a late lottery pick to nab him. Ultimately, Gilgeous-Alexander went to the Los Angeles Clippers 11th overall via a trade with Charlotte. Article content 'I never really doubted this moment. My whole life I always believed in myself and my abilities, in how hard I worked. Article content '(I) got a lot better and then went to Kentucky for college and just always worked throughout my career and that's why I'm here today.'
Edmonton Journal
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Get to know Canadian hoops star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of NBA MVP announcement
Article content He impressed enough to earn a scholarship to Florida as a four-star recruit and was ranked 35th by ESPN in his high school class (cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker, his opponent in the Western Conference final this year was ranked 21st), but kept generating buzz after attending a Basketball Without Borders camp and was one of the youngest players to ever make Canada's senior men's national team in 2016.
