SHEFFIELD (Julio Chitunda's African Message) - In a move that confirms the growing popularity of basketball in Africa, Gorgui Dieng, Luc Mbah a Moute , Salah Mejri and Al-Farouq Aminu have expressed willingness to spend part of their summer representing their countries at FIBA AfroBasket 2017 in Brazzaville (19-30 August). 

That number of NBA players featuring in Africa's biggest basketball event could rise if Bismack Biyombo and Emmanuel Mudiay - who will be returning to Africa for the NBA Game 2017 - come to terms with their native country of DR Congo.

For some of those players, there is no lack of encouragement to keep the game growing in the second largest continent.

"Basketball is witnessing explosive growth in Africa. Our return to Johannesburg this summer is part of the league’s continued commitment to bring the authentic NBA experience to fans around the world" - Adam Silver

Following the announcement that Cairo (FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2017), Bamako (FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017) and Brazzaville will be hosting three mega basketball events on the continent this year, Johannesburg in South Africa has been confirmed as the site of the NBA Africa Game 2017.

By coming to Africa for the first time since 2015, the significance of this year's NBA Africa Game is that the popularity of basketball in Africa has reached new highs.

NBA rosters at the start of the 2016-17 season featured a record 113 international players from 41 countries and territories, and 13 of them come from Africa.

While the NBA Africa Game between a Team World vs Team Africa will be an exhibition event in support of UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and SOS Children's Villages South Africa (SOSCVSA), the FIBA AfroBasket 2017 will see the best African players facing each other.

Few know better about the importance of featuring in two important basketball events in a short period of time than Al-Farouq Aminu.

Before the Portland Trail Blazer forward helped Nigeria claim a first-ever FIBA AfroBasket title two years ago, he showcased his game in Johannesburg.

Mudiay, who left his native Democratic Republic of Congo with his family as a toddler, didn't have to think much when invited to take part in the NBA Africa Game 2017.

"Returning to Africa to play in the second NBA game on the continent is a dream come true," he said, adding: "I'm thankful for the opportunity to participate and look forward to leading Team Africa to a win on August 5."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also explained why the event matters: "Basketball is witnessing explosive growth in Africa. Our return to Johannesburg this summer is part of the league’s continued commitment to bring the authentic NBA experience to fans around the world. I would like to thank the NBPA for their participation and for being terrific partners on this game and surrounding events."

This year couldn't be any better for African basketball followers.

Julio Chitunda

FIBA

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