The continent has produced some renowned NBA stars in the past including Serge Ibaka (Congo), Dikembe Mutumbo (The Democratic Republic of Congo), Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria) and many more. Despite this celebrity, the infrastructure of the game in the continent has been lackluster.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that it will be holding its first game in the African Continent. South Africa is going to be the location of this game as the NBA looks to expand its influence across the globe.
The continent has produced some renowned NBA stars in the past including Serge Ibaka (Congo), Dikembe Mutumbo (The Democratic Republic of Congo), Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria) and many more. Despite this celebrity, the infrastructure of the game in the continent has been lackluster.
In 2010, the NBA released opened its first office in South Africa to respond to the growing demand to build the game in the continent
The game will be taking place at the Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg on August 1st between “Team Africa” led by South Sudanese Miami Heat player, Luol Deng and “Team World,” led by Los Angeles Clippers player, Chris Paul.
Deng recently expressed his excitement saying, “I am extremely proud to be a part of the NBA’s first game in Africa.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver added, “The NBA has worked hard to grow the game of basketball in Africa, and I am excited to take this next step of playing our first game on the continent.”