NBA to hold first-ever exhibition game in Africa
As it endeavors to develop into a global game, the NBA is expanding its borders this summer by playing its first-ever exhibition game in Johannesburg, South Africa.
A host of first- and second-generation descendants from Africa will take on a host of select players from the rest of the world. The game will be played on Aug. 1.
Team Africa will be coached by San Antonio Spurs bench boss Gregg Popovich, with Luol Deng serving as team captain. Team World will be led by Brooklyn Nets coach Lionel Hollins, with Chris Paul assuming captaincy. The respective rosters are listed below.
Team Africa:
| Player | Ethnicity |
|---|---|
| Luol Deng | Sudan |
| Serge Ibaka* | Congo |
| Bismack Biyombo | Congo |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Nigeria |
| Festus Ezeli | Nigeria |
| Nicolas Batum | Cameroon |
| Luc Richard Mbah a Moute | Cameroon |
| Boris Diaw | Senegal |
| Gorgui Dieng | Senegal |
| Al-Farouq Aminu | Nigeria |
* Will not play due to injury
Team World:
| Player | Country |
|---|---|
| Chris Paul | USA |
| Pau Gasol | Spain |
| Marc Gasol | Spain |
| Jeff Green | USA |
| Bradley Beal | USA |
| Kenneth Faried | USA |
| Marcus Smart | USA |
| Evan Turner | USA |
| Nikola Vucevic | Montenegro |
Commissioner Adam Silver will be in attendance, along with NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo, and NBA African Ambassador Hakeem Olajuwon.
Both team captains expressed excitement for the opportunity to play in Africa.
"I am extremely proud to be a part of the NBA’s first game in Africa," said Deng. "Coming from South Sudan and having participated in the Basketball without Borders Africa camps in Johannesburg previously, I am truly honored to be part of this historic event."
"I look forward to representing Team World in the first NBA game in Africa," said Paul. "It will be my first visit to the continent, and I cannot wait to contribute to the growth of the game on and off the court."
ESPN will broadcast the game, which will be played in front of a sold-out crowd in the 5,000-seat Ellis Park Arena. Proceeds of the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and other youth charities.
The NBA has a 30-year history in Africa, with over 35 players from the continent seeing time in the league since the Houston Rockets selected Olajuwon with the first overall pick in 1984. The NBA also opened an office in Johannesburg in 2010.