DAKAR (Senegal) – Two qualifying windows for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Africa Qualifiers have taken place and the number of promising young players who shined during them was astonishing.
About two weeks ago, some of them were revealed to the general public at the Dakar Arena on the occasion of three days of competition during which South Sudan shone by finishing as the only unbeaten team in Groups B and D.
We have chosen to come back to five young basketball players who marked the eight-nation tournament which took place in the Senegalese capital:
ANYIARBANY ‘JACKSON’ MAKOI – South Sudan
BACK
Date of Birth : July 3, 2000 (21 years old)
Cut : 193 cm
Club : BC Securities Osijek (CRO)
February Stats: 13 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists in 25.6 minutes per game.
Five months ago, Makoi already stood out at FIBA AfroBasket 2021 and his role in the South Sudan team continues to grow in importance. The 21-year-old, who earned a +28 rating against Cameroon, was instrumental in South Sudan’s three consecutive successes in Dakar. His speed, his handling of the ball and his vision of the game are a real treat for the eyes. Makoi averaged 13 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 25.6 minutes per game. He was intractable on both sides of the pitch. In his third game in Dakar, the 1.93m fullback converted 10 of his 12 field shots, 4 of his 6 free throws, all for a total of 25 points, to which he added 7 rebounds.
MAREG GATKUOTH – South Sudan
BACK
Date of Birth : September 10, 1999 (22 years old)
Cut : 195 cm
Club : Montana State University (USA)
February stats: 8.7 points, 1 assist in 16.1 minutes per game.
Gatkuoth has been able to show himself in the hottest moments during recent confrontations against Tunisia. At FIBA AfroBasket 2021, Gatkuoth went 3-of-7 from three in the loss to the reigning African champions. He did even better in Dakar against the same opponents, scoring 4-from-5 from long range for a total of 12 points, contributing greatly to the biggest surprise of these Qualifiers, South Sudan having effect this time imposed against Tunisia (72-64).
JORDAN BAYEHE – Cameroun
STRONG ANGLER
Date of Birth : October 16, 1999 (22 years old)
Cut : 206 cm
Club : San Bernardo Pall water. Cantu (ITA)
February Stats: 12.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, +13.3 rating in 20.6 minutes per game.
Bayehe is not very comfortable on the outside, but he is formidable under the baskets. Future leader of the Cameroonian selection, his aggressiveness on both sides of the field commands respect. He expressed great confidence in his duel against Makram Ben Romdhane, MVP of the last FIBA AfroBasket.
MBAYE NDIAYE – Senegal
WINGER
Date of Birth : January 4, 1999 (23 years old)
Cut : 203 cm
Club : ADA Blois Basket 41 (FRA)
February stats: 9.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, +13.7 rating in 26.4 minutes per game.
Renowned for his great athletic qualities, Mbaye benefited from the confidence of coach Mamadou Gueye, who did not hesitate to include him in the starting lineup during the three games played in Senegal. He perfectly met his coach’s expectations, willingly letting his penetrating power do the talking to arouse the enthusiasm of the fans with his dunks or his spectacular lay-ups. Not yet very comfortable at mid-distance, he is however formidable in the racket.
KHALED ABDELGAWAD – English
WINGER
Date of Birth : February 2, 1999 (age 23)
Cut : 204 cm
Club : Tanta (EGY)
February Stats: 5.7 points, 6.3 rebounds in 16 minutes per game.
Abdelgawad knew how to seize his chance during this important tournament. In the absence of Omar Oraby, Abdelgawad distinguished himself by taking 6.3 rebounds per game – the 2nd best average of the Pharaohs behind Anas Mahmoud. Combative under the basket, it seems obvious that Abdelgawad will win in the national team of Egypt.
FIBA
