NBA Africa Game 2015: Date, Venue, Rosters and More
The NBA and its Players Association confirmed the details for the first NBA Africa Game on Thursday. The contest, which will take place from Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Aug. 1, will include several top players and coaches.
SuperSport reports the game features Team Africa, which is going to have players born on the continent as well as those who are second-generation Africans, taking on Team World. The head coaches will be Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs, Team Africa) and Lionel Hollins (Brooklyn Nets, Team World).
Here's a look at the complete rosters for the showcase event:
| Luol Deng (c) | Chris Paul |
| Al-Farouq Aminu | Bradley Beal |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Kenneth Faried |
| Nicolas Batum | Marc Gasol |
| Bismack Biyombo | Pau Gasol |
| Boris Diaw | Jeff Green |
| Gorgui Dieng | Marcus Smart |
| Festus Ezeli | Evan Turner |
| Luc Mbah a Moute | Nikola Vucevic |
| Serge Ibaka* |
Both team captains commented in the report about the opportunity to bring the NBA game to a new location during the offseason.
"I look forward to representing Team World in the first NBA game in Africa," Chris Paul said. "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."
Luol Deng also discussed the ground-breaking nature of the event.
"I am extremely proud to be a part of the NBA's first game in Africa," he said. "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."
NBA commissioner Adam Silver is expected to make the trip to South Africa, according to SuperSport. He will be joined by Dikembe Mutombo and Hakeem Olajuwon, two African players who made a major impact in the NBA.
The exhibition is an extension of the Basketball without Borders Africa program that's entering its 13th year of bringing the league together with the continent. It's noted the efforts have reached more than 1,000 campers from 31 African nations.
Given the strong rosters for both sides, it should be an entertaining, offensive-minded shootout, a lot like what is typically seen in the NBA All-Star Game. The event will be broadcast on ESPN in the United States at 9 a.m. ET on Aug. 1.
The NBA has consistently grown its outreached efforts in Africa with the Basketball with Borders program. The NBA Africa Game is the latest example of the commitment, and it's clear the players are happy to take part in helping grow the sport.
