Who Are The Best African National Basketball Teams According To FIBA?

The International Basketball Federation, referred to as FIBA is a definitive global authority on the game.

It’s a great resource for learning about how basketball is being played all over the world. FIBA ranks entire nations. For example, the United States currently tops their global leaderboard, followed by Serbia, Germany, and France.

African countries are no exception. Countries in the continent are now getting better results at soccer, handball and even have horse jockeys among the Kentucky Derby contenders.

Basketball has been spreading gradually across the planet and has developed a considerable presence in Africa, where teams often represent entire nations. According to FIBA, which African National Basketball teams are looking good this year?

Note

The rankings described below pertain to Africa’s teams following a traditional 5 on 5 setup. There is also a FIBA-recognized 3-on-3 league, where Egypt currently has the top position.

South Sudan

South Sudan is the 31^st team in the world according to FIBA, and the number one franchise in Africa. This ranking represents a considerable leap for the franchise, which has jumped thirty-two spots in recent years to claim the number one spot.

South Sudan was recently featured in the Paris Olympics and earned their top position in the African continent by beating Nigeria, who plunged subsequently to fifth place.

Nigeria

Prior to their defeat by South Sudan, Nigeria had been a number one contender in the African standings. Despite currently occupying the fifth slot, Nigeria has long been a top contender. Their men’s team has struggled slightly in recent years, but the women’s franchise actually has the most top titles within the league.

Senegal

In 2022, Senegal had the chance to go the distance. They were in the first round of qualifying for the World Cup when they lost to DR Congo in a disappointing 62-57 upset. Three years later, they once again have an opportunity to grasp at the brass ring.

Can they make up for lost time? Historically speaking, big losses are often an opportunity for even bigger comebacks. Certainly, that’s what fans of Senegal basketball are hoping for.

Cameroon

The Cameroon lineup features several former NBA players, including the franchise’s coach, Alfred Aboya, who was a noteworthy college player who subsequently spent several years playing in NBA development leagues.

Aboya has since distinguished himself as a successful coach. He took the top spot at several G-League teams in the United States before setting his sights on Africa. He’s had a transformative effect on Cameroon, leading the team to an undefeated record in the 2023 Olympic qualifying tournament in Nigeria.

Mali

Mali is a relatively young team—literally. In 2019, during the FIBA World Cup, a group of Mali teenagers went head-to-head with an undefeated U.S. team. This was a big deal at the time. The United States has always fared pretty well in global basketball competitions, whereas Africa was—and remains, more of an emerging presence.

The young Mali team hung tight for the first two quarters, trailing by one possession going into halftime.

The United States managed to pull away in the third quarter with an impressive 12-0 run that ultimately helped them grab the W.

Regardless, Mali showed its stuff. With the team now a little older and wiser, they may have what it takes to go the distance this year.

Global Hooping: What else should a basketball fan be watching?

It’s nice to be a fan of basketball. There is no shortage of viewing options. International ball alone could keep you busy all year. College basketball has a nice, lengthy run from fall all the way into Spring.

The NBA runs even longer.

Also, one certainly shouldn’t ignore the increasingly popular WNBA. Rookies Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese brought millions of new eyes to the game last year in their hotly contested race for Rookie of the Year honors. Clark, incidentally, came out ahead. The women’s game is currently having an exciting moment in the form of Unrivaled, a 3 on 3 league founded by two of the game’s best: Napheesa “Queen Phee,” Collier, and Breanna “Stewie,” Stewart.

With twelve months of basketball playing out in various forms all over the world, it’s natural to sometimes look for other sports to stay busy with.