ABIDJAN (Cote d’Ivoire) - Africa’s representatives Guinea and Egypt headed to Turkey in July for the 2024 FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup Boys as African champions and vice champions respectively and were hopeful of making an impact that would remain glued to the basketball community for a long time.
True to their dreams, the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup brought a mix of ambition and hard lessons for Guinea and Egypt. Both teams aimed to make a lasting impact on the global stage, but their journeys ended with 12th and 14th-place finishes, respectively.
While their campaigns revealed notable talent and flashes of brilliance, challenges both on and off the court limited their success.
EGYPT: A TASTE OF STRUGGLES AND PROMISE
Egypt entered the tournament with a solid history of participation, having competed in every FIBA U17 World Cup since 2010. Despite their experience, this year’s youthful squad faced difficulties in adapting to the high level of competition.
Their group-stage performances, though competitive, ended in narrow losses to Australia, Canada, and Germany. A defeat to New Zealand in the Round of 16 curtailed their campaign, leaving them to battle for classification spots.
A hard-fought win over China provided a glimmer of hope, but a subsequent loss to Germany sealed their 12th-place finish. Coach Amr Abouelkhir acknowledged the team's physical limitations compared to other squads, emphasizing the need for further investment in youth development.
TWO PLAYERS STOOD OUT AMIDST EGYPT'S STRUGGLES
Youssef El-Halawany (PG, 6’2”): A deceptive playmaker from Smouha SC, El-Halawany impressed with his creativity and clutch scoring. Despite being one of the smallest players on the court, his floaters and jump shots provided key moments of relief for the team.
Omar Essam (C, 6’11”): Representing Al Ahly SC, Essam dominated the paint with his physical presence, excelling in putbacks, finishing through contact, and defensive contributions. His averages of nearly three “stocks” (steals + blocks) per game showcased his importance on both ends of the court.
While Egypt’s finish may not have been their best, the team’s evolving program offers hope for future success.
GUINEA: A DEBUT FILLED WITH HEART AND TALENT
Guinea’s maiden appearance at the FIBA U17 World Cup was marked by resilience and raw talent. Despite facing significant hurdles, including inadequate preparation and logistical setbacks, the team defied expectations by winning two of their seven games.
Though a crushing loss to the USA (124-49) highlighted the gap in experience, Guinea showed promise against other opponents. Standout performances from emerging stars like Arfan Diane and Abdourahmane Touré excited the team’s journey.
Arfan Diane (C, 6’9”): Diane’s physical dominance in the paint earned him a nomination for tournament MVP. He averaged 11.7 rebounds per game and led the tournament in double-doubles, showcasing his potential as one of the event’s top centers.
Abdourahmane Touré (SG, 6’5”): Touré turned heads with a record-breaking 51-point performance against China, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 161 points. His ability to score from all court areas was unmatched, and his electric play style made him one to watch.
Despite administrative challenges within Guinea’s basketball federation, the team’s talent pool offers a bright future. Their participation in the upcoming FIBA U18 AfroBasket in South Africa could solidify their status as a rising force in African basketball.
LESSONS TAKEN FROM THE 2024 U17 BASKETBALL WORLD CUP
While Guinea and Egypt fell short of their ultimate goals, their campaigns were far from failures. Both teams showcased immense potential, with individual players stepping up as future stars.
For Egypt, it’s about refining their youth program to compete physically and tactically at the highest level. For Guinea, their debut serves as a launchpad for greater achievements, with their raw talent signaling a bright future.
The 2024 U17 FIBA Basketball World Cup was a learning curve for both nations, but it undoubtedly set the stage for African basketball's continued rise on the global stage.
FIBA