TEAM PROFILE: Cameroon are hungry and have the right tools for AfroCan job
YAOUNDE - Can the 2023 FIBA AfroCan - to be held in Angola between July 8-16 - be the platform for Cameroon's home-based talent raise the country's flag to the top of African basketball?
CAMEROON (Yaounde) - Cameroon, the only African country with two active NBA All-Star players (Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam), is yet to find success at continental level.
Can the 2023 FIBA AfroCan - to be held in Angola between July 8-16 - be the platform for Cameroon's home-based talent raise the country's flag to the top of African basketball?
Things look promising for the Indomitable Lions who headed to Angola on Monday, June 26 with a relatively renewed squad.
They are one of the teams to watch-out for in the tournament, especially because they will face reigning champions DR Congo and Mozambique in Group D, two ambitious teams looking to make some noise in Angola.
AfroCan debutant Cameroon had a perfect Qualifiers campaign (4-0)
Their potential seems infinite, but can Cameroon use their momentum from the Qualifiers to win this continental crown?
Here are a few insights about Cameroon.
Team: Cameroon
FIBA Ranking Men: 67th
Last participation at the AfroCan: Cameroon have not participated in the first edition of the AfroCan.
Best result at the AfroCan: N/A
How they qualified for the 2023 AfroCan: Cameroon put their best foot forward in the Qualifiers at home and in front of their fans by finishing the tournament with a 4-0 record thanks to wins over Chad, Gabon, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea. Their perfect run earned them a first appearance at the AfroCan.
Cameroon are also one of the debutants at the AfroCan after qualifying with a 4-0 record.
Africa: Cameroon have participated in 10 AfroBasket tournaments. They finished second in the 2007 tournament.
Etienne Tametong Kalume
Star player: Small forward Etienne Tametong was the star performer for his country during the AfroCan Qualifiers. The 30-year-old averaged 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
Cameroon will look to him as their attacking leader. His ability to crash the boards (4.5) at the defensive can help the Lions get buckets.
Rising star: Anthony Goufanke seems to have found his footing at the international level during the AfroCan qualifiers. The small forward's 9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game are solid numbers for the 21-year-old. Having had a taste of international basketball should increase his hunger for success.
New addition: Jean-Paul Mouandjo is a young player who could have a lot of upside for Cameroon. The 20-year-old averaged 4 points, 5.5 rebounds per game and played good minutes on the court. With youth on his side, the AfroCan tournament could be the perfect platform for him to catch the eye.
Louis Tsoungui led the Republic of Congo at 2013 FIBA AfroBasket
Head Coach: Louis Tsoungui replaced Francis Enengueye who led Cameroon to a 4-0 in the Qualifiers.
Tsoungui is popular for his commitment to basketball grassroots programs, although he's had brief experiences with Cameroon men's team.
The Cameroonian was at the helm of the Republic of Congo at the 2013 FIBA AfroBasket in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
Outlook: Judging by their performance in the Qualifiers, Cameroon could be a front-runner for the title. They have the experience and young players eager to make their mark.
In addition to the new head coach, Cameroon added Brice Eyaga, who featured for FAP at BAL Season 2 and was named to the BAL Defensive Team of the year.
Other new faces include Kevin Niemeck, Louis Ngaransou, Rostand Ndong and Valentin Lele.
The question that must be answered is, Can Cameroon win their first continental trophy? They have the potential and talent.
The 2023 FIBA AfroCan is a superb opportunity for Cameroon home-based players to shine.
FIBA