Once a distant dream, the NBA is now a global stage where African talent shines with pride and precision. The league no longer just scouts Africa—it’s being shaped by it. The 2025 NBA Draft alone saw a surge of African-descended talent, with players like South Sudan’s Khaman Maluach and Senegal’s Saliou Niang stepping into the spotlight. Let’s take a look at how African talent is shaping the NBA.

History of African Players in the NBA

In 1950, the Boston Celtics made history by selecting Charles “Chuck” Cooper in the second round of the NBA Draft. He became the first African American—and by extension, the first player of African heritage—ever drafted into the league. Cooper’s selection cracked open a door that had long been bolted shut. Though he faced segregation and skepticism, his talent and tenacity laid the foundation for generations to come.

After Chuck Cooper broke the color barrier in 1950 as the first African American drafted into the NBA, it took a few decades before African-born players began making their mark. The first African-born player that was drafted was Hakeem Olajuwon, selected 1st overall in 1984 by the Houston Rockets. Olajuwon, born in Lagos, Nigeria, went on to become a two-time NBA champion and one of the greatest centers in league history.

The second African-born player drafted was Manute Bol. He was selected in the 2nd round of the 1985 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets (now Wizards). Hailing from Sudan, Bol was a shot-blocking phenomenon and one of the tallest players in NBA history at 7’7″. In the 1990s and 2000s, more African players entered the league. These were Dikembe Mutombo (DR Congo), Luol Deng (South Sudan), and Serge Ibaka (Republic of Congo), among others. These players not only brought elite skills but also became ambassadors for the continent.

Influence of NBA Programs and Academies

NBA Academy Africa

Located in Saly, Senegal, NBA Academy Africa is the NBA’s first elite basketball training center on the continent. It opened in 2018 and serves as a hub for top male and female prospects from across Africa. The facility is state-of-the-art, featuring two indoor courts, a weight room, dormitories, classrooms, and even a swimming pool. The Academy is a partnership between the NBA and the SEED Project (Sports for Education and Economic Development), a Senegalese nonprofit that uses basketball to empower youth through academics and leadership training.

The program takes a holistic approach—developing not just athletes, but scholars and leaders. Its biggest success story is Khaman Maluach, who joined the academy at 14. He later became the highest-drafted NBA Academy Africa alum at 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. It is no longer a trickle of talent—it’s a rising tide. And with the Basketball Africa League (BAL) offering real competitive exposure through the BAL Elevate program, young players are walking into NBA locker rooms with poise, polish, and pride in their roots.

Basketball Without Borders

Basketball Without Borders (BWB) has been instrumental in igniting the rise of African talent in the NBA. Since its inception in 2001, BWB has provided a launchpad for young African players. From developing elite skills to building global connections and showcasing their potential to international scouts. By hosting camps across Africa and bringing together top youth prospects from dozens of countries, BWB has created a pan-African basketball community that transcends borders and barriers.

NBA stars like Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam were first discovered through BWB camps, proving the program’s ability to identify and polish raw talent into global superstars. BWB has helped shift the global perception of Africa from an overlooked basketball frontier to a vital talent reservoir. Its success laid the foundation for larger investments like the NBA Academy Africa and the BAL. By unlocking opportunities and building pipelines, BWB didn’t just open the door for African athletes—it helped build the hallway, the spotlight, and the stage. The ripple effect is clear: African talent is no longer emerging—it’s erupting.

The Basketball Africa League

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is the crown jewel of Africa’s basketball renaissance—a professional league that’s not just showcasing talent but transforming the entire ecosystem of the sport on the continent. Launched in 2019 as a collaboration between the NBA and FIBA, the BAL is the first NBA-affiliated league outside North America. It features 12 teams from across Africa, each earning their spot through domestic league performance or qualifying tournaments. The season typically runs from March to June, culminating in a high-stakes playoff and championship showdown.

What makes the BAL revolutionary isn’t just the competition—it’s the infrastructure it’s building. The games are hosted in world-class arenas across cities like Kigali (Rwanda), Dakar (Senegal), and Cairo (Egypt). They bring elite basketball to fans who once only saw it on screens. The league also serves as a proving ground for young stars. This is especially through the BAL Elevate program, which places NBA Academy Africa players on BAL rosters for real-time pro experience. With each season, the BAL is not just crowning champions—it’s cultivating a continent-wide culture of excellence, pride, and possibility.

The Slow Changing Tide

Africa’s influence on the NBA is no longer a subplot—it’s a central storyline. From Hakeem Olajuwon’s first thunderous dunk to Khaman Maluach’s recent draft night triumph, the journey of African talent has been one of perseverance, transformation, and pride. What began as individual breakthroughs has become a full-scale revolution. This breakthrough is propelled by visionary initiatives like Basketball Without Borders, the NBA Academy Africa, and the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

This movement isn’t just about basketball—it’s about opportunity. It’s about building courts in communities once overlooked. About turning dreams into game plans. It’s about showcasing the depth, diversity, and brilliance of a continent rich in potential. Africa’s basketball heartbeat grows louder with every new draft pick, standout BAL performance, and young player stepping into a gym with belief in their eyes.

The NBA’s embrace of African talent has brought fresh narratives and a global spirit that reflects the modern game. It’s no longer a question of “if” Africa will shape the league’s future, just how soon and how boldly. With the foundations now firmly in place, the next generation is already rising much quicker and more inspired than ever. Africa isn’t just part of the NBA’s story; it’s rewriting its future, one crossover at a time.