Top African Basketball Players Face Off Against NBA’s Best in South Africa

This Saturday, August 5th, some of the best African basketball players will face off against a selection of some of the most recognizable names in the second edition NBA Africa Game taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa.

It’s a showdown you wouldn’t want to miss as the two teams, Team Africa and Team World go against each other to defend their honor.

The NBA said that the game is designed to bring the organization closer to its African fanbase as Basketball continues to rise in popularity across the continent.

“Basketball is witnessing explosive growth in Africa,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.

“Our return to Johannesburg this summer is part of the league’s continued commitment to bring the authentic NBA experience to fans around the world. I would like to thank the NBPA for their participation and for being terrific partners on this game and surrounding events.”

The first edition which held in 2015 was a thrilling encounter that ended with Team World securing a 101-97 victory over Team Africa.

In that game, Sudanese born Luol Deng of the Los Angeles Lakers scored 20 points for Team Africa and was named MVP, while Chris Paul of the Houston Rockets took the honor on the opposing side for his contribution of 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals for Team World.

According to reports, Deng is again expected to lead a star-studded Team Africa which includes Congolese born Serge Ibaka (Toronto Raptors) and Nigerian-American Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers).

“I’m thrilled to be coming back to Johannesburg to lead Team Africa alongside Thabo,” Deng said in an announcement.

“The first NBA Africa Game in 2015 was a lot of fun, and it will be a privilege to play in front of our African fans once again.”

See below for the full list of players for each side:

Team Africa

Luol Deng (Los Angeles Lakers)

Thabo Sefolosha (Utah Jazz)

Bismack Biyombo (Orlando Magic)

Clint Capela (Houston Rockets)

Gorgui Dieng (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Will Not Play)

Serge Ibaka (Toronto Raptors)

Luc Mbah a Moute (Houston Rockets)

Salah Mejri (Dallas Mavericks)

Emmanuel Mudiay (Denver Nuggets)

Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers)

Dennis Schroder (Atlanta Hawks)

Team World

Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)

Kemba Walker (Charlotte Hornets)

Leandro Barbosa (Free Agent)

Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)

Wilson Chandler (Denver Nuggets)

DeMarcus Cousins (New Orleans Pelicans)

Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons)

Courtney Lee (New York Knicks)

Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors)

CJ McCollum (Portland Trail Blazers)

Kristaps Porzingis (New York Knicks)