BAL Elevate 2023: identity of prospects revealed
12 players from the NBA Academy who impressed during BAL Elevate will join the teams competing in the 2023 BAL.
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BAL Elevate aims to place 12 NBA Academy prospects with BAL teams. The Basketball Africa League is thereby promoting African talent on the court. For the young NBA Academy players, the idea is to put them in a competitive environment and help them mature. It should be noted that they are still in school or at university.
Read more on the same subject: BAL 2023: Michael Ochereobia signs for AS Douanes
"The inaugural group of BAL Elevate players who joined our league from NBA Academy Africa last season not only showed their talent and potential, but also contributed greatly to raising the standard of play in the second season. We received excellent feedback from the teams and coaches who worked with the players, some of whom went on to sign with NBA G-League Ignite or commit to NCAA Division I schools in the United States. We are eager to see this year's class contribute to their respective teams and continue their development on the global stage", said BAL president Amadou Gallo Fall.
This season, unlike in previous ones, the youngsters are not being sent to clubs in their home countries. The prospects come from 7 countries, including Nigeria (4 players), DR Congo (2 players), South Sudan (2 players), Cameroon (1 player), Senegal (1 player), Mali (1 player) and Egypt (1).
The BAL Elevate player pool was made up of prospects currently attending NBA Academy Africa. The draft order was determined by a random draw among the 12 teams taking part in the BAL. It should be noted that BAL Elevate players will not share in the prize money awarded to the top BAL teams at the end of the season, so as to preserve their amateur status.
List of the 12 BAL Elevate prospects
Sahara Conference: Joy Ighovodja (ABC Fighters), Khaman Madit Maluach (AS Douanes), Khadim Rassoul Mboup (Kwara Falcons), Ulrich Kamka Chomche (REG), Rueben Abuchi Chinyelu (Stade Malien), Churchill Abass (US Monastir).
Nile Conference: Dramane Sayon Camara (Al Ahly), Parby Kabamba Musongela (Cape Town Tigers), Segun Ezekiel Obe (City Oilers), Paul Kabenga Mbiya (Ferroviario Beira), Seifeldin Hendaway (Petro de Luanda).
Victor BAGAYOKO