LUANDA (Angola) - Angolans will feel as if the FIBA AfroBasket coming to their shores is a homecoming of Africa's premier basketball tournament. Fans of the Palancas Negras (Black Antelopes) have reason to believe this, as their team is the most successful in the tournament with 11 trophies.
When the tournament begins in Luanda and Namibe from August 12 to 24, fans will expect Spanish coach Josep Claros Canals and his team to win the tournament and keep the trophy in Angola.
The Angolan team and its fans are thirsty for success. They last saw their dominant team hoist the trophy in 2013, and a 12th trophy would quench their thirst. Angola experienced a decline in the following AfroBasket tournaments, finishing second in 2015 and as quarterfinalists in 2017 and 2021.
The big question in this year's tournament is whether Angola can reclaim its lost glory on home soil. Angola had a 4-2 record in the AfroBasket qualifiers. With the talent they have, Angola has the potential to win the tournament.
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On the court, Angola's hopes will rest on Childe Dundao's small frame and big heart. He was a leading scorer (18.5 points) and assists leader (7.5) for the Palancas Negras during the AfroBasket qualifiers.
Angola will also depend on Aboubakar Gakou's physique in the paint. The forward averaged 17.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game during the qualifiers. Gakou is also known for his good midrange and three-point shots, which will serve Angola well in the tournament.
Real Madrid's Bruno Fernando and Israel-based Silvio de Souza are two big men who will play starring roles for Angola. At the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Fernando and De Souza posted 14 and 11.6 points, respectively, giving Canals additional offensive options.
Jilson Bango's size, height, agility, and athleticism add to Angola's arsenal. His ability to score and rebound improves the host nation's chances of advancing in the tournament.
While Angola possesses the tools to go far, they are in a tricky Group C with South Sudan, Guinea, and Libya, all of whom are aiming to stand in their way.
FIBA