Ulrich Chomche, a standout basketball talent from Cameroon, has achieved a major milestone in his career.
Representing NBA Academy Africa, located in Saly, Senegal, Chomche made history by being selected 57th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA Draft presented by State Farm.
Additionally, Nigerian center Adem Bona was taken 41st by the Philadelphia 76ers and is expected to back up Cameroonian star big man Joel Embiid.
“It means everything to me to be standing here right now,” Bona said.
NBA Academy Africa, part of the NBA’s global initiative to develop top young talent, provides a pathway to professional basketball. The academy offers a holistic approach to player development, including on-court skills, strength and conditioning, and life skills training. It serves male and female players from across Africa, helping them reach their full potential both on and off the court.
This groundbreaking achievement marks the first instance of an NBA Academy Africa prospect being drafted directly into the NBA, setting a precedent across all three of the league’s NBA Academies in Senegal, Mexico, and Australia.
Chomche’s journey to the NBA includes notable participation in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), where he showcased his exceptional skills. He joins a distinguished group of Cameroonian players who have made their mark in the NBA, including Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje, Luc Mbah a Moute, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Christian Koloko, and Yves Missi. Notably, this draft also featured two players from Cameroon being selected—a first for the country.
Chomche’s Basketball Journey
Chomche’s basketball journey began when he joined NBA Academy Africa in 2019 at the age of 14. During his time at the academy, he competed in various high-profile international events, including NBA Academy exhibition games, the Tarkanian Classic, NBA Academy Games, and Basketball Without Borders (BWB) camps.
Chomche
Additionally, Ulrich Chomche represented Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and Cameroon’s Forces Armées et Police (FAP) in the Basketball Africa League (BAL). His impressive performance caught the attention of scouts, leading to his historic draft selection.
Chomche also proudly represented Cameroon’s national team in the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament and played for the World Team at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon.
Ulrich Chomche’s journey exemplifies the impact of NBA Academy Africa in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for young players across the continent. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring basketball stars in Africa and beyond.
LeBron James and Son Make History
Meanwhile, Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, was selected 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in Thursday’s second round of the NBA Draft.
Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James, the 39-year-old Lakers playmaker and a four-time NBA champion, has expressed his desire to play alongside his son next season – in what would be the first father-son combination in NBA history.
LeBron James, son | AFP
James, a guard for the University of Southern California, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists for the Trojans last season following a stellar high school career. He also impressed scouts at an NBA combine.
In July, during a practice session, USC freshman James collapsed after suffering cardiac arrest caused by a congenital heart defect. He was released from the hospital a few days later, and doctors have since approved him to play both in US college basketball and, last month, in the NBA.
The younger James is regarded as a top defensive prospect with elite athletic skills and strong instincts for the game, though he may need time to fully develop as an NBA player.
