Tunisia's Mejri pens deal with Mavs ahead of AfroBasket 2015

DALLAS (AfroBasket 2015) - As the host nation, Tunisia are already causing the biggest buzz in the build-up to AfroBasket 2015.

Hopes have been high that the Tunisians will win the competition and clinch a spot in the Olympics, just as they did in 2011 when the tournament was staged in Madagascar.

Remember that event four years ago, when Salah Mejri scored important points, grabbed important rebounds and blocked important shots en route to tournament MVP honors?

Well, that same Salah Mejri, the one who gained invaluable experience with Antwerp in Belgium and then sharpened his skills in Spain with Obradoiro before moving to Real Madrid, is now making the fans back home even more anxious to see the national side.

When he appears on TV or the supporters see him in person, they will watch the country's first-ever NBA player because Mejri has signed a contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

Mejri, a 2.16m center, is elated to be headed for the NBA.

"Very happy to be a part of a great team," he said in a tweet.

"Can't wait to be there."

Mejri has had a lot of big moments in his career.

Winning the AfroBasket title four years ago afforded him the opportunity to play at the 2012 Olympics.

In two years at Real Madrid, Mejri has been a part of one of Europe's best teams.

This past season, Mejri and Co won a Spanish Copa del Rey, Liga Endesa and Turkish Airlines Euroleague treble.

At the AfroBasket, which tips off on 19 August, Mejri and Tunisia will go up against Uganda, Nigeria and the Central African Republic (CAF) in Group A.

FIBA