RADES (Tunisia) - There's nothing like the chance to showcase one's basketball skills in front of a global audience, and for some of the under-22 players selected for the first window of the Africa World Cup qualifiers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Among the promising stars competing in Rades, Tunisia, there are three teenagers whose talent could transform the future of basketball in their countries.
See below for a selection of young players eager to shine in the 2027 World Cup African Qualifiers.
Leandro Monteiro - CPV
DOB: February 23, 2007 Position: Guard/Small Forward Height: 192m (6'3")
Leandro Monteiro made his international basketball debut earlier this month at the 2026 Road to BAL West Division Elite 16 tournament in his hometown of Praia, Cape Verde, an experience that changed his life.
Although his Kriol Star team missed out on a place in the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL), Monteiro made a name for himself by finishing as one of the team's top performers.
His eagerness to learn and competitive spirit earned him constant standing ovations throughout the tournament, particularly when he concluded fast-break plays with acrobatic dunks.
Monteiro finished as the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 16 points in two games as a substitute.
Ronny Ewanke - CMR
DOB: January 4, 2008 Position: Center Height: 208 cm (6'9")
The scouts monitoring Cameroon's basketball team were amazed when they came across the tall and raw Ronny Ewanke. In a meteoric turn of events, he became part of Cameroon's future plans.
What happened next? The 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, in which Cameroon finished 1–6, but Ewanke made the most of the opportunity, averaging 9 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Ewanke rose to the occasion against the Dominican Republic, finishing with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds in Cameroon's only win of the tournament.
Amen Hammi - TUN
DOB: August 11, 2006 Position: Center Height: 206 cm (6'8")
Apart from representing Tunisia in a two-team qualifying series for the 2024 FIBA U18 AfroBasket, in which he averaged 10 points and 11 rebounds, Hammi took part in the 2023 Basketball Without Borders programme.
When recently re-appointed head coach Adel Tlatli scouted Hammi, the veteran play-caller had no doubt about giving him a chance.
"He is young, left-handed, and a good shooter. For a player of his size and potential, I sensed that he had something special, which is why he is part of this group of players," Tlatli told FIBA.basketball.
Kenny Manzi - RWA
DOB: June 4, 2004 Position: Center Height: 200cm (6'7")
Manzi had limited playing time in his debut with the men's team at the 2025 AfroBasket tournament, but he now has a second chance to demonstrate why he is considered one of Rwanda's most promising players.
Kabinet Kaba - GUI
DOB: September 17, 2003 Position: Forward Height: 199 cm (6'6")
Kaba made a name for himself during his time with the Guinea youth national team, helping the country become one of the most promising youth programmes on the continent.
He is still building on his career, and when he had the opportunity to demonstrate his potential on the international stage early this month, he seized it, averaging 8 points and 11 rebounds during the Road to BAL qualifiers in Mali.
Valentin Lele - CMR
DOB: May 12, 2004 Position: Guard Height: 192 cm (6'3")
Valentin Lele's hard work was rewarded when Coach Alfred Aboya made him a regular feature in Cameroon's most recent commitments.
Coming off the bench in five of Cameroon's seven games at the 2025 AfroBasket tournament, Lele's aggressiveness and dunking ability made him a player to watch. This is Lele's second appearance at senior level.
He can play in the guard and small forward positions.
Other promising players to watch in the first window of the African Qualifiers include Simon Ugo (Nigeria) and Prince Twa (Rwanda).
FIBA