The National Basketball Association has closed its elite basketball academy in Senegal, ending an eight-year program that helped develop some of Africa's most promising young players. The academy, launched in 2018, was the league's first elite training facility on the continent. It trained about 110 students, many of whom went on to attend leading schools and universities in the United States. The closure has drawn criticism from former academy staff.
Among the academy's notable graduates was Cameroonian Ulrich Kamka Chomche, who became the first NBA Academy Africa player to be selected in the NBA draft when he was picked in 2024. He subsequently played for the Toronto Raptors. South Sudan's Khaman Maluach, another former academy student, now plays for the Phoenix Suns. These success stories highlight the impact of the academy on African basketball.
The closure has been met with criticism from former academy staff, who argue that the decision could reduce opportunities for young African players. Michel Chikwanine, who worked as the academy's performance and lifestyle adviser, expressed concerns that the announcement could affect the confidence of students beginning their basketball careers.
Michael Abbott, a former head of academic planning at the academy, questioned the academy's commitment to students, suggesting that commercial considerations had taken precedence over their development. The NBA, however, stated that the closure reflected a shift in its global basketball development strategy rather than a reduced commitment to Africa.
The league cited previous closures of academies in Mexico and Australia, and plans to consolidate its elite training activities at a new global academy to open in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The NBA said the new facility would bring young prospects together with professional coaches and scouts from around the world. This move aims to enhance the development of young players globally.
Despite criticism, the NBA pointed to its continued investment in African basketball through initiatives such as the Basketball Africa League, which has completed six seasons, and Basketball Without Borders, which runs youth development camps globally, including in Africa. These programs demonstrate the league's ongoing commitment to African basketball.
Troy Justice, the league's senior vice-president, emphasized that the NBA remained committed to developing the next generation of African players and highlighted other youth-development programs still operating across the continent. The closure of the Senegal academy marks a new chapter in the NBA's African strategy, with a focus on global consolidation and development.
Key points
- The NBA Academy Africa trained 110 students over eight years, with notable graduates including Ulrich Kamka Chomche and Khaman Maluach.
- The closure has drawn criticism from former staff, who argue it could reduce opportunities for young African players.
- The NBA plans to consolidate its elite training activities at a new global academy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
