With the Basketball Africa League (BAL) evolving into a launchpad for top African basketball talent, the NBA Summer League has become the next proving ground.
The BAL has firmly established itself as the continent’s premier stage, not just for competition, but for opportunity. More and more African players are using it to reach the NBA, the Summer League, the G League.
As the 2025 season wraps up, several standout performers have made a strong case for inclusion in this summer’s NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, held July 10–20.
Here are the players who earned that shot.
🇸🇳 Jean Jacques Boissy – MVP. Champion. Ready for the Next Level
Jean Jacques Boissy accomplished it all this season:
- BAL Champion with Al Ahli Tripoli
- 2025 BAL MVP
- All-BAL First Team and All-BAL Defensive First Team
The Senegalese guard was the driving force behind Tripoli’s historic title run, orchestrating plays, stepping up in big moments, and locking down opponents defensively. A former NCAA and NBA Academy Africa product, Boissy is a poised, two-way player built for high-level basketball. He is without question Summer League-ready.
🇨🇻 Ivan Almeida – Cape Verde’s Veteran Ironman
Ivan Almeida delivered one of the best all-around performances in the BAL this season and stood out as one of the league’s most versatile and impactful players. He was forced to adapt across four positions (from point guard to power forward) due to a short-handed roster, and still delivered one of the best statistical seasons in the tournament — including his first career triple-double.
- 48 free throws made (league leader)
- 37.5 minutes per game (most in the BAL)
- 17.3 points per game
- 10.1 rebounds
- 5.4 assists
Almeida and his brother Joel transformed a social charity foundation in Cape Verde into a professional team, Kriol Star, which qualified for the BAL, conquered a ticket to the playoffs and finished 7th in its debut season.
Living proof that it’s never too late to lead, to inspire and to dream, Ivan Almeida deserves a Summer League opportunity.
🇲🇱 Babacar Sané
The G League Prospect is Coming Back Babacar Sané confirmed to ESPN that he’ll likely join the Minnesota Timberwolves for this summer’s NBA Summer League, before linking up with the Senegal national team for AfroBasket qualifiers.
A former G League Ignite player, Sané returned to the BAL with US Monastir and reminded everyone of his explosive athleticism and polished game. He earned a spot on the All-BAL Second Team and is now poised for another NBA Summer League stint.
🇲🇱 Aliou Diarra
Two-Time Defensive Player of the Year Aliou Diarra, the 6’9″ center for APR, was named 2025 BAL Defensive Player of the Year, earning his second such honor (he also won in 2023). Diarra led the league in:
- Blocks: 3.4 per game
- Rebounds: 11.6 per game
- Field goal percentage: 55.7% (BAL leader)
- Points: 17.4 per game
He was also selected to the All-BAL First Team and All-Defensive First Team, anchoring APR’s defense during their third-place run. His athleticism, timing, and rim protection make him one of the top prospects heading into Las Vegas.
🇺🇸 Jaylen Adams
The Leader with NBA Pedigree Jaylen Adams brought scoring and experience to Al Ahli Tripoli, guiding them to the championship and earning a spot on the All-BAL First Team. A former NBA and EuroLeague guard, Adams showed poise, court vision, and clutch shot-making throughout the tournament.
🇸🇸 Majok Deng
The Stretch Forward Built for Modern Basketball Majok Deng earned All-BAL First Team honors and was a key contributor for Al Ittihad. The South Sudanese forward spaces the floor with his shooting, defends multiple positions, and hits big shots when it matters most. His size and modern skillset make him a valuable Summer League asset.
🇸🇩 Taefale Lenard Jr.
Two-Way Force with Star Potential Taefale Lenard Jr. earned spots on both the All-BAL First Team and All-BAL Defensive First Team. The MBB South Africa wing plays with energy, defends multiple positions, and brings athleticism that translates well to the NBA game.
🇲🇱 Samkelo Cele
South Africa’s Rising Shooter Samkelo Cele made noise in the BAL playoffs with Petro de Luanda, showcasing his scoring ability and confidence from long range. The South African wing was a key contributor to his team’s success and demonstrated the type of offensive skill set that could thrive in Summer League systems.
🇱🇾 Mohamed Sadi
Libya’s Rising Star with Clutch DNA Mohamed Sadi of Al Ahli Tripoli impressed with his two-way game, earning places on the All-BAL Second Team and All-BAL Defensive Second Team. Known for his composure and timely plays, Sadi was instrumental in his team’s title run.
🇺🇸 Patrick Gardner
The Modern Center with Soft Hands Patrick Gardner of Petro de Luanda was one of the league’s most effective bigs, making the All-BAL First Team. A versatile center with a smooth shooting touch, he’s a strong fit for returning to the Summer League stage.
The BAL is no longer just a showcase: It is a bridge, a direct path to the global stage.
From Boissy’s leadership to Almeida’s resilience, from Diarra’s dominance to Cele’s emergence, these players have proven they belong on NBA radars. And on NBA courts.
With the Summer League spotlight looming in Las Vegas, African talents are ready to shine. They won’t just be chasing a dream. They’ll be ready to make a statement.
