Having South African roots ... it’s a dream come true, says NBA star

YOU KNOW a match is a big deal when the players use words such as ‘thrilled’, ‘can’t wait’, ‘dream come true’, and ‘excited’, as they look ahead to it.

Superstars in their own right and playing in one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world, the NBA stars are nevertheless still like kids in a candy store when it comes to the NBA Africa Game.

Announced yesterday as jointcaptains of the Africa Team that will take on the World Team for the second time on African soil, both Thabo Sefolosha and Luol Deng could not hide their elation.

“Having South African roots, it’s a dream come true to return to South Africa to play in an NBA game. There are so many talented African players in the league, and it will be an honour to lead them,” said Swiss native Sefolosha whose father is South African.

“I’m thrilled to be coming back to Johannesburg to lead Team Africa alongside Thabo. 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,” said LA Lakers forward Deng.

The game on August 5 at the Ticketpro Dome is expected to be a full house with tickets selling fast on ticketpro.co.za.

Lining up alongside Sefolosha and Deng will be Orlando Magic’s Bismack Biyombo.

“It was an honour and privilege to play in the first NBA game in Africa in 2015. I’m looking forward to another great game in August,” he said.

Their opponents in the World Team are similarly excited.

“I’ve heard so many great things from players around the league who travelled to South Africa in 2015 for the first NBA Africa Game and Basketball without Borders. I can’t wait to suit up for Team World in Johannesburg this summer,” said Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum.

For Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, the previous experience of the Africa Game made the return inevitable.

“I’m really excited to represent Team World. I also look forward to returning to South Africa after taking part in the Basketball without Borders Africa camp eight years ago. It’s great to see how the game is growing across the continent, and I’m honoured to be a part of this historic event.”

The game, which will take place following the 15th edition of Basketball without Borders Africa, will again be played in support of UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and SOS Children’s Villages South Africa.