MVP Mathias M’Madi headlines 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship All-Star Team

 

ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) - The 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship came to an end on Sunday in Antananarivo, with Egypt claiming the title after an 81-54 win over hosts Madagascar.

Throughout the two-week competition, five players were instrumental to their teams, and, it came as no surprise they were named to the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship All-Tournament team.

MATHIAS M’MADI (Madagascar)

M’Madi was rightly named to the All-Star Five of the tournament such was his impact for the runners-up.

It is also no surprise that he was crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament after the prominent role he played in his country’s performance at this year’s competition.

The 1.94m (6ft 4in) guard was an important part of the Malagasy national as he led his side to their first-ever continental final. The Elan-Chalon guard proved to be a stalwart addition to Madagascar’s roster throughout the entire tournament. He was consistent since Day 1.

With averages of 22.2 points per game, along with 2,4 rebounds and 5,6 assists, he was the go-to man each time the Islanders had an offensive or defensive issue to address.

He had his best game against Guinea in the Quarter-Finals, when Madagascar marched on to the next round. That day, he finished the game with 28 points and 7 assists. He also had a superb display against Mali after contributing 19 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals to he help his country qualify for the 2023 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.

M'Madi finished the tournament with a total of 125 points, an effort that helped him the tournament's best scorer award.

IBRAHIMA DIALLO (Guinea)

What would Guinea have done without the help of their star guard Ibrahima Diallo? Though he has failed in helping his country to the podium, he was a pivotal player to coach Zeljko Zecevic’s plans.

And his stats speak for himself as he averaged 15.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

BELAL ELSHAKERY (Egypt)

Egypt forward and captain Belal Elshakery made it to the All-Star Five with a show during the Championship Game.

He had 9 points and 9 rebounds, though he had a bit of bad luck at some point. He averaged 7.4 rebounds per game during the tournament.

FAHMI FAHMI (Egypt)

Egypt’s No. 23 made it to the All-Star Five of the tournament with an average of 3.7 points, and 4.7 rebounds per game.,

His numbers may seem, somehow, insignificant, but his leadership spoke volumes. The Zamalek player can call this tournament his.

MALICK DIALLO (Mali)

Future looks promising for Mali’s Malick Diallo. The 2.08m (6ft 10in) was a key factor for the former African champions who finished third.  He averaged 10.9 points, and 11.7 rebounds per game, making him the second-best rebounder in the tournament.

FIBA