MVP of each nation in Window 2 of the African Qualifiers

 

DAKAR (Senegal) - Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers came to a close on Sunday in Dakar with every team now having a clearer picture of their future in the Group Phase. 

And although team effort was a key factor for the eight teams, at individual level a number of players gave their all one way or another, raising the question as to who who were the MVP for each nation in Window 2 of the African Qualifiers?

Leadership at different levels, players stats' and Efficiency rates proved fundamental to respond the MVP question.

Jordan Sakho (DR Congo)

It's not just about his long-run with the national team that Sakho gets the MVP honor for his country in Window 2 of the African Qualifiers, but his impact for most of DR Congo's three games was vital.

Jordan Sakho (DR Congo)

The Congolese opened their Group D race for a ticket in the next year's World Cup with a 2-1 and Sakho left his fingerprints in the team's display in Dakar. 

The 2.07m (6ft 9in) center contributed 10.7 points per game, along with a team-high 11.7 Efficiency rate in three games.

Anas Mahmoud (Egypt)

Can we really talk about the Pharaohs' basketball these days without a mention to Mahmoud's influence? Certainly not.

And he, once again, proved in Dakar that his size, ability and leadership make a huge difference for Egypt.

Anas Mahmoud (Egypt)

No wonder why Egypt Head Coach Roy Rana described the seven-footer as very unique, not just for Egypt, but for basketball. "A seven-footer who can handle the ball, he can pass, he can attack the rim from the perimeter, and defensively he's able to change shots; in the rim he is able to rebound, he is a very exciting young prospect and we are just happy that he is Egyptian and is with us because he has huge impact on our team," the Canadian tactician said of Mahmoud.

The Zamalek star paced Egypt with team-highs 15.3 points, 7.3 rebounbds and an Efficiency rate of 16.7. 

Jowel Awich (Kenya)

Kenya didn't look as competitive without their main scorer Tyler Ongwae, who sat out the Morans' first three games, but Awich tried his very best, and succeeded at times, to minimise the damages.

Joel Awich (Kenya) 

Awich logged team-highs 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, and his 31.1 min utes -  the longest of any Kenyan player - on the floor tells the story about his role within a team that will try to recover from a disastrous First Round of   Group D where they conceded an average of 90 points per game while scoring only 54 points per game. 

Youssoupha Ndoye (Senegal)

Ndoye's display in Dakar was marked by ups and downs, but establishing a new African Qualifiers record - 20 rebounds in a game -, which he backed with two double-doubles translated his role for the Senegalese. 

After a subpar performance in a 62-57 defeat to DR Congo, where he contributed no more than 7 points and 4 rebounds, Ndoye bounced back with a terrific display on Day 3 where they dismantled Kenya 100-55. 

Youssoupha Ndoye (Senegal)

With 21 points and 11 rebounds, Ndoye who recorded an Efficiency rating of 24, was the man-of-the-tournament for Senegal without a shadow of doubt.

Omar Abada (Tunisia)

Tunisia captain Makram Ben Romdhane remains the team's unconditional leader, but Abada's latest games continue to suggest that this Tunisia team will soon become his.

Omar Abada (Tunisia)

With team-highs 17 points, 3 assists and an Efficiency of 15, Abada's numbers speak volumes about his leadership with the Carthage Eagles.   

Jordan Bayehe (Cameroon)

Cameroon returned home 1-2, certainly not the way they want, but having Jordan Bayehe playing at such high level gives the Lions reasons to remain optimistic about the team's rebuilding.

Jordan Bayehe (Cameroon) 

The more playing time he 22-year-old has, the more he justifies his selection. 

Kendall Gray (Rwanda)

The Rwandan-American was the East Africans' heart and soul in Dakar. 

And although Rwanda finished winless in three games, they should be pleased with Gray's tireless effort at both ends of the floor.

Kendall Gray (Rwanda)

Gray contributed 8 points and team-highs 6 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, but Rwanda need to regroup and do the homework if they are to advance to the Second Round of the African Qualifiers.

Anyiarbany Makoi (South Sudan)

South Sudan nation team is on the rise, and much of it has to do with players of Makoi's caliber. 

The 21-year-old, who finished with a an Efficiency rating of 28 in Sunday's win against Cameroon, was central to South Sudan's unbeaten run in three games.

Makoi contributed 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 4.3 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game.

Anyiarbany Makoi (South Sudan)

For most of South Sudan's three games in Dakar, Makoi showed a tremendous tenacity at both ends of the floor. 

In his last showing in Dakar, the 1.93m ( 6ft 4in) guard made 10 of his 12 Field-Goals, he was 4-for-6 from the foul line to go with a game-high 25 points and  grabbed 7 rebounds. 

FIBA