TEAM PROFILE: Gabon hoping to raise their status at AfroCan

 

LIBREVILLE (Gabon) - Following a lengthy absence from the continental scene, Gabon are one of the countries trying to make their mark, and the 2023 FIBA AfroCan could provide the platform for them to do so.

Gabon are finally re-joining the African basketball fraternity for the first time since they last appeared at AfroBasket in 2015 in Tunisia.

The Central African country have been drawn in Group A alongside Kenya and winner of the Zones 2 (Guinea) a 3 (Benin, Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria) Qualifiers taking place in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

This year's AfroCan will take place in Angolan capital of Luanda from July 8-16.  

Dolivitch Moupomo - seen here in action for  Manga BB during the 2020 BAL Qualifiers - has been key for Gabon 

Here are a few insights on Gabon:

Team: Gabon

FIBA Ranking: 130th in the World; 25th in Africa.

Last participation in the AfroCan: Gabon are making their debut at the tournament.

Best result at the AfroCan: N/A

How they qualified for the AfroCan: Gabon qualified through the Zone 4 Qualifiers, and by finishing second behind Cameroon in their group, they earned a spot at the AfroCan.

In the Cameroonian capital, Gabon finished 3-1 thanks to wins over Chad (54-52), Central African Republic (67-57) and Equatorial Guinea (110-36). Gabon lost to hosts Cameroon (80-71).

Africa: Gabon has become known in international basketball scene as the birth-place of Stephane Lasme, one of Africa's top defenders. Other talented basketball players hailing from Gabon included Chris Silva who played for the Miami Heat in the NBA.

At national team level, Gabon have competed at AfroBasket twice (2005 and 2015) over the last two decades. 

Star player: Dolivitch Moupomo was the star for Gabon in the AfroCan Zone 4 qualifiers in March, scoring 20 points per game and crashing 9 rebounds per game.

The 23-year-old's production was important in Gabon's qualifying for the AfroCan, and he could be be a go-to guy at the tournament in Angola. 

Darcy Makambo Elyse

Rising star: To be called up to the senior team at the age of 17 speaks volumes about Darcy Elyse, who starred for his country at the 2021 FIBA U16 African Championship in Cairo.

In the Egyptian capital, Elyse led Gabon in scoring (17.5 points per game), rebounds (8.5 boards per game) and assists (2.8 dimes per game).

Another top prospect is Jarode Aworet, who was in the top three statistical categories for Gabon in the AfroCanQ.

The 22-year-old forward scored 14 points per game. He also grabbed eight rebounds and made five assists per game.

With his ability to score, rebound and pass, Aworet can be a threat to any opposition.

New addition: Gaius M'Ella made the most of his playing opportunities at the Zone 4 qualifiers. His 10 points per game, seven rebounds and two assists per game played a role in Gabon qualifying for the AfroCan.

Head coach: Wilfried Dongo has assumed the coaching reins of Gabon after taking over from Johd Masnoudji. Dongo provides continuity in the role as he was previously an assistant during the qualifiers. 

Wilfried Dongo

Dongo served as Gabon assistant during the 2021 FIBA U16 African Championship in Cairo where his country finished 0-7. 

Outlook: Gabon are one of the new kids on the block and are possibly an underdog, a tag which could work in their favour when they come up against more experienced teams. 

FIBA