Three African Players Set to Impress on the NCAA Tournament Stage

Source: Unsplash

Africa's presence within the upper echelons of the basketball stage has never been bigger. In 2023, Joel Embiid became just the second player in history to win the NBA MVP award, narrowly pipping Nikola Jokic to the title and following in the footsteps of Hakeem Olajuwon's historic achievement almost two decades prior. Then, there's Pascal Siakam, who defied his late bloomer status to aid Kahawi Leonard's quest to take the Larry O'Brien to Toronto back in 2019.

But it isn't just in the professional ranks in which Africa's presence is being felt. Plenty of young stars have taken advantage of the Basketball Without Borders initiative to secure a spot in the NCAA, America's collegiate system, which provides a conveyor belt of talent to the NBA. Next month, it's college ball that takes center stage as the annual March Madness extravaganza goes wild.

What is March Madness?

The springtime is perhaps the only time of the year in which the NBA becomes somewhat secondary Stateside. That's because the NCAA's postseason tournament takes over, with chaos unfolding at every corner. Throughout the month of March, 64 games will be played as 128 teams are whittled down to just four finalists who will progress to the San Antonio Final Four showdown in April.

Unlike in the professional ranks, where the playoffs are contested across multi-game series, the collegiate system is a one-off knockout round contest. The rules are quite simple: lose and you're out. This precipice and the bedlam it generates has resulted in the end-of-season showdown nicknamed March Madness.

Much of the fun is attributed to the bracket, the road through the tournament, and toward the Alamodome. Fans create their own March Madness bracket and compete against other supporters, friends, coworkers, and family members in a bid for not only bragging rights but also prizes. For example, popular bookmaker Bovada has created a March Madness Bracket with real money prize for all of their players to compete in, with a whopping $80,000 being awarded to the one that racks up the most points.

If you are someone who is considering competing, then you should bear in mind these three African stars who are set to light up the tournament and aid their respective teams to a deep tournament run.

Khaman Maluach

At just 18 years old, Khaman Maluach has already taken the NCAA by storm. The seven-footer from South Sudan is a towering presence for Duke, boasting a 7’5” wingspan that makes him a nightmare for opposing teams on both ends of the floor. He has already garnered a fearsome reputation in his freshman year, becoming a constant double-double threat. In the January 11th clash against Notre Dame, he racked up some 19 points and 10 rebounds, providing a reliable second-in-command to fellow freshman superstar Cooper Flagg who dropped a whopping 42 in an 86-78 victory.

That duo has become arguably one of the most fearsome in the entire country. Their blistering displays have helped the Blue Devils amass an impressive record of 24-3, leading them to become the number three-ranked team heading into the postseason.

The bookies now make them a +325 second favorite to win the National Championship for the first time in nine years, and much of that is down to the stunning displays of their giant South Sudanese center. Expect his heroics to continue into the postseason and perhaps even to the title.

Aboubacar Traore

Forward Aboubacar Traore has brought invaluable experience to a Louisville team in the midst of a rebuild. The Côte D’Ivoire-born star transferred from Long Beach last summer and immediately made his mark, taking on a chief role within a side in dire need of leaders. The Ivorian has provided a steady hand in his senior year with the Cardinals, averaging over 12 points a game.

Traore’s ability to thrive under pressure dates back to his days in the California sun. He played a pivotal role in leading the Beach to a tournament berth for the first time in 12 years last season, and since moving to the Cardinals, he has continued in a similar vein. His displays have helped his new side amass an impressive 21-6 record in what was expected to be a mere campaign of transition. Now, they aren't considered championship contenders, but a fairytale-like run throughout the opening couple of rounds isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Clifford Omoruyi

Like the aforementioned Duke, Alabama is another side with genuine title aspirations. The bookies currently make them a +950 fifth favorite for glory, and much of that top-five national ranking has been fueled in part by the dominance of Clifford Omoruyi.