DAKAR (Senegal) - They are young, talented, hardworking, and, despite their young age, they have already shown signs of how impactful they can be to the future of their national teams.
And with the second window of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers set to hold from November 22-24, FIBA.basketball selects five young guns that could make a splash during the three-day event in Dakar.
YANNICK NZOSA
Position: Center Birth Date: November 15, 2003 (21 years old) Height: 2,10m (6'9") Country: DR Congo Club: Flexicar Fuenlabrada (Spain's Primera FEB)
A left-handed center with an incredible agility and remarkable footwork, Nzosa grabbed the headlines four years ago when, at the age of 16, he made his debut in Spain's top tier ACB while playing for Unicaja. He's long been associated with his country's national team, and this could be his maiden opportunity to suit up for the Leopards.
BABACAR SANE
Forward: Forward Birth Date: September 19, 2003 (21 years old) Height: 1,99m (6'7") Country: Senegal Club: Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League)
Often rated as one of Senegal's top prospects, Sane's ability and ferocity attacking the rim, makes him a valuable asset for DeSagana Diop's team. His athleticism and potential have seen Sane suit up for Senegal on a number of occasions, including the 2019 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. After a season with the G League Ignites, he is now withSalt Lake City Stars.
AMADOU SEINI
Position: Center Birth Date: January 5, 2007 (17 years old) Height: 2,16m (7'1") Country: Cameroon Club: Conforma Italia Varese Academy (Italy Serie-C)
Not much was known about Seini's basketball background until he made a splash at the 2024 FIBA U18 AfroBasket where the seven-footer inspired Cameroon to an unexpected second place finish.
Seini also had the highest Efficiency Per Game (25.7). He was huge for the Central African nation's epic journey in South Africa. Seini's presence in the paint was a deterrent for the opposition, averaging four blocks per game, while his best was six against Cote d'Ivoire in the Group Phase.
RAYANE SOLHI
Position: Guard Birth Date: January 16, 2007 (17 years old) Height: 1,94m (6'4") Country: Morocco Club: Veritas Academy (USA)
Morocco may have fell short of a podium finish at 2024 FIBA U18 AfroBasket, but 17-year-old Solhi was a delight to watch. And it came as no surprise that Solhi made it to the All-Tournament team. A natural scorer, Solhi finished last the second leading scorer in the continental tournament with averages of 18 points per game. In fact, Solhi was Morocco's go-to guy throughout the tournament.
HERMANN BOUKOSSO IGOUWE
Position: Guard/Forward Birth Date: March 6, 2001 (23 years old) Height: 1,93m (6'3") Country: Gabon Club: Moanda Basket (Gabon Championship - Road to BAL)
Igouwe epitomises hard working success. He went from an unused substitute at 2023 FIBA AfroBasket to his club's most efficient and leading scorer in the 2025 Road to BAL campaign, where his Moanda Basket came up relatively short of a spot in the Elite 16 round. Igouwe's speed to attack the rim and scoring prowess make him a threat to opponents. Gabon has a lot to gain with him in the roster.
FIBA