ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - They have led their countries to success, particularly in the FIBA Africa Youth continental competitions, and now a group of African-born players are chasing a lifelong dream of winning the NCAA D1 Women's Tournament title.
This year's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 women's tournament kicks off with the first round on 21-23 March and culminates with the championship game on 7 April at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Among the hundreds of players vying to make it to the coveted Final Four next month, players with a history in FIBA U16, U18 Women's AfroBasket and AfroBasket are ready to make their mark.
We have selected 12 players to watch out for, some of whom were born in Africa and others with strong family ties to the continent, making them eligible to represent African national teams.
Jana Elalfy
DOB - Sep 20, 2005 Height - 1.93m / 6'4" Position - Center Nationality - Egyptian University of Connecticut (31-3)
One of the brightest talents to emerge from the Egyptian basketball programme in recent times, Elalfy has seen it all in an Egyptian national team jersey.
From helping her country to a second-place finish at the 2022 FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket to being named the Most Valuable Player at the 2022 Basketball Without Borders Africa Camp, the 19-year-old made a splash at the 2023 FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup, where she led all players in scoring with 21.4 points per game.
Kristina Rakotobe
DOB - May 13, 2005 Height - 1.80m / 5'11" Position - Forward Nationality - Malagasy UNC Greensboro (25-6)
One of the reasons why Madagascar caught many by surprise by finishing fourth at the 2022 FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket was Rakotobe's impressive display.
Playing in front of her fellow Malagasy, she led her country in points (12) and rebounds (6.5). As a junior, Rakotobe led the Patriots to a 25-8 record to rank third in the state.
Madina Okot
DOB - Aug 23, 2004 Height - 1.98m / 6'6" Position - Center Nationality - Kenyan Mississippi State Bulldogs (25-6)
Whether she was playing 3-on-3 or five-a-side, she was a problem for the opposition.
In her junior season with Mississippi State Bulldogs, Okot averaged 11.3 points and a team-high of 9.6 rebounds per game.
Before crossing the Atlantic, Okot made her mark in the 2023 Women's Basketball Africa League, inspiring her Kenya Ports Authority to a second-place finish in a tournament in which she was named in the all-star team.
Salimatou Kourouma
DOB - Sep 25, 1999 Height - 1.80m / 5'11" Position - Forward Nationality - Malian Oregon Ducks (19-11)
Kourouma has had a decorated career with Mali's youth teams and is known for her scoring prowess. She helped Mali to two continental youth tournaments, the 2015 U16 Women's AfroBasket and the 2016 U18 Women's AfroBasket.
Upon her arrival to the Oregon Ducks, head coach Kelly Graves was quoted as saying: "Her experience, maturity and basketball IQ are through the roof and will be a welcome addition to our young team."
Jana Sallman
DOB - Jan 6, 2006 Height - 1.90m / 6'3" Position - Center Nationality - Egyptian William & Mary Tribe (16-18)
In her first season with the Tribe, the 19-year-old Egyptian contributed 5.6 points, 3.8 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.
A 2022 FIBA U18 African Women's Championship silver medallist with Egypt, Sallman has represented her country at the 2023 FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup.
Sira Thienou
DOB - Jan 9, 2004 Height - 1.80m / 6'0" Position - Guard Nationality - Malian Ole Miss Rebels (20-10)
The Rebels will be represented in the 2025 NCAA D1 tournament by two-time African champion Sira Thienou.
After helping Mali to the 2019 FIBA U16 African Women's Championship title, Thienou made her presence felt at the 2022 FIBA U18 African Women's Championship, where the Malians took home gold.
Her team profile is clear about her role and impact within the Ole Miss Rebels' rotation. "[she] appeared in all 30 games with 21 starts … Averaged 10.8 points per game, the most among Ole Miss freshmen."
L'or Mputu
DOB - Nov 10, 2001 Height - 1.89m / 6'2" Position - Forward Nationality - Congolese (RDC) South Florida Bulls (23-10)
The Congolese was named the 2025 American Athletic Conference Most Improved player. According to the team, Mputu has recorded 10 or more rebounds in 10 games this season, giving the Bulls second-chance opportunities and a strong presence inside.
Fatou Diakite
DOB - Jan 13, 2004 Height - 1.90 / 6'3" Position - Forward Nationality - Ivorian South Florida Bulls (23-10)
Reflecting on Diakite's addition, Bulls head coach Jose Fernandez said: "Fatou (Diakite) only started playing basketball at the age of 16, and her best basketball is still ahead of her. We are excited to have the opportunity to coach Fatou and have her talent in our program for the next three years."
Other players:
Other players to watch include: Senegal's Yacine N'Diaye (UNC Greensboro Spartans), Nigerians Clarice Akunwapo, Vivian Iwuchukwu (USC Trojans) and Eseosa Imafidou (Louisville Cardinals).
FIBA