Giannis Antetokounmpo headlines African cast for 2024 NBA All-Star weekend
Giannis Antetokounmpo headlines a seven-player African cast set to shine at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. SportsRation reports.
Leading the Eastern Conference as captain in his eighth All-Star appearance is Giannis Antetokounmpo of Nigeria. He will be joined by Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat, who has Nigerian roots, in his third All-Star appearance.
The action-packed weekend will begin to February 16 and will feature the Panini Rising Star event on February 17, showcasing talents like Victor Wembanyama (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Bilal Coulibaly (Mali), and Oscar Tshiebwe (Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Victor Wembanyama will also participate in the Kia Skills Challenge alongside other stars on February 18, while a special NBA vs. WNBA three-point contest will feature Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu for the first time.
Additionally, the AT&T Slam Dunk contest will see Matt McClung defending his title against new contenders.
Former NBA Academy Africa alumni Thierry Serge Darlan (Central African Republic) and Babacar Sane (Senegal) will showcase their talents in The NBA G League Up Next event.
The 2024 Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global camp will also take place during the All-Star Weekend, featuring top high-school-age prospects, including representatives from Angola, Mali, Senegal, and South Sudan.
Adding to the excitement, the NBA All-Star Game will feature Nigerian figures Eniola “Korty” Olarenwaju and Tobi Bakre, South African personalities Bontle Modiselle, Robot Boii, and Kama Mphela, showcasing the intersection of African entertainment and basketball.
Last year’s All-Star Game set the stage with a vibrant halftime performance by Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema, taking Afrobeat culture to new heights.
