CAIRO/MONASTIR (Egypt/Tunisia) - Opportunities for young players to display their talent at major events like the FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers don't come very often, but when it happens, some youngster make their presence felt for everyone to take note. 

And here is a list of young guns who rose to the occasion and starred in the first window of the AfroBasket Qualifiers in Cairo and Monastir.

PATRICK GARDENER (Egypt) 

The 24-year-old center who made his debut for the Egypt during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup run, averaging 8.8 points per game, was instrumental for coach Henrik Rödl's charges in his first time playing in the continent. He finished as the side's top performer in efficiency per game. 

In a 2-1 mark for the hosts, the Long Island Nets player averaged 14.3 points and 5.3 rebounds, scoring 43 in 72 minutes on the floor across all three games. He dropped 17 against Cote d'Ivoire on the final day, his highest tally having settled for 14 and 12 against Madagascar and Central Africa Republic (CAF) respectively. 

SITRAKA RAHARIMANANTOANINA (Madagascar)

The ALM Évreux Basket forward was Madagascar's most efficient player as the islanders made history, winning their first ever AfroBasket Qualifiers match against Central Africa Republic (CAF).

He was the side's second best scorer, averaging 12.7 points after spending an average of 24.2 minutes on the floor. He dropped 14 in the win against CAF, 12 in the loss to Egypt and a similar number against Cote d'Ivoire.

The 23-year-old was Madagascar's top rebounder with a 7.0 average as he also made the top three in assists.

Number's aside, Sitraka's leadership on the court was evident, especially against CAF when his side was chasing a historic win.

ALLAN DOKOSSI (Central African Republic)

The JDA Bourgogne Dijon power forward led Central Africa Republic's statistics with the best efficiency, rebounding and assisting, and was only bettered by Evans Ganapamo in points per game scored.

The 24-year-old averaged 11 points, 11.3 rebounds and 3.3 assist per game. 19 of his 33 points came against Madagascar. He scored 10 against the hosts and 4 against the Ivorians.

ASSEMIAN MOULARE (Cote d'Ivoire)

The France-based point guards presence was felt on both ends of the court and it is little wonder he finished with the highest assists per game ratio of 6.3. 

Moulare (main picture) accumulated 19 assists in the three matches, 5 against Egypt and the rest divided equally between the other two opponents.

At 21, his confidence on ball and movement off it pint to a player who has mastered his craft and is headed for glory.

PATRICK SPENCER (Cape Verde)

The 22-year-old Spain-based small forward made sure to leave and indelible mark on his debut for the islanders who maintained a perfect 3-0 run in the opening window of the Qualifiers.

Accumulating 51 minutes in the three matches, he averaged 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds to emerge as the side's third most efficient player.

OUSSAMA MARNAOUI (Tunisia)

The 24-year-old guard who plays for US Monastir had massive influence for the defending champions, averaging 11 points, the third best tally for coach Mehdy Mary's side. He scored 17 in the hosts victory over record champions Angola.

EMMANUEL WOMALA (Uganda)

Germany-based Womala, in his first AfroBasket Qualifiers rodeo was one of Uganda's most used guard, averaging 30.6 minutes on the floor to finish the window with an average of 6 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game as his side went 1-2 in Group B. 

YOUSSEF HELMY (Egypt) 

The 22-year-old Sporting Club shooting guard who was part of Egypt's U17 World Cup squad in 2018 made his senior debut with an impressive show, despite being featured only twice. 

He spent 26 minutes on the floor against Madagascar, dropping 14 points and 5 assists. He did not score against Cote d'Ivoire in the 13 minutes he was on the floor. He picked 2 rebounds and made one assist against the silver medalists. 

KARIM ELGIZAWY (Egypt) 

The 19-year-old who was making his senior team debut having featured for the North Africans in junior ranks accumulated 54 minutes in the three matches, averaging 4.3 points and was the third best assist provider for the side. 

He has played in the FIBA U16 African Championship in 2021, U17 World Cup and U18 African Championship in 2022 and in the U19 World Cup last year. 

ANIM DELGADO (Cape Verde)

The best assist provider for the islanders, the shooting guard averaged 3.7 points and 1m3 rebounds per game. The 24-year-old was making his senior team debut with the Blue Sharks who went unbeaten in the opening window. 

Additional mentions:

Alpha Solondrainy (Madagascar) 
Jerry Pepin Rabibisoa (Madagascar) 
Lionel Kouadio (Cote d'Ivoire) 
Eduardo Francisco (Angola) 
Wilson Ambrosio (Angola) 

FIBA