NBA Trio Named In Cameroon’s Preliminary Squad For 2025 AfroBasket.

In a blockbuster and unprecedented move, Cameroon’s head coach Alfred Aboya has named NBA trio Yves Missi, Christian Koloko and Ulrich Chomche in his preliminary squad for this year’s AfroBasket slated from 12-24 August in Angola.

In a 15-man preliminary list made public recently, Cameroonian basketball fans were pleased to see three of the country’s NBA exports present in the list. While Yves Missi was the first to officially announce his commitment for the Angola competition, the inclusion of LA Laker’s Christian Koloko and Toronto Raptors teenage sensation Ulrich Chomche left fans in a state of ecstasy.

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From Drought to Deluge: Cameroon’s NBA Homecoming

For Cameroonian fans, the inclusion of these three in a team that already has a mix of experience in William Narrace, Fabien Ateba and Roger Moute and a zest of youthful exuberance in Amadou Seini and Valentine Lele, signals Cameroon’s return to basketball prominence on the continent.

The last time Cameroonian fans saw an NBA star represent the national team was in the 2013 AfroBasket, when Luc Mbah a Moute playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves carried the torch. Now, three modern giants arrive simultaneously, turning nostalgia into palpable electricity.

When the preliminary 15-man squad dropped, social media erupted. Yves Missi had already pledged allegiance sharing a video on social media signaling his presence in Angola, but the inclusion of Christian Koloko and Ulrich Chomche sent fans into euphoria.

For Yves Missi, competing in AfroBasket feels like destiny, a continuation of a proud family legacy. His father, Jean Paul Moundou-Missi, once represented Cameroon’s national basketball team and passed on his love for the game to his two sons, Steve and Yves. Steve Moundou-Missi, the elder, played for Cameroon in the 2013 and 2015 editions of AfroBasket. Now, it is Yves' turn, as he prepares to make his debut in Africa’s premier basketball tournament, held this year in Angola.

For Christian Koloko and Ulrich Chomche, leaving their mark on the continental stage represents more than personal achievement, it is a meaningful way to give back to their country and inspire the next generation of basketball talent in Cameroon.

A title-winning frontcourt?

Beyond the excitement, it is important to examine the core question: what can Yves Missi, Christian Koloko, and Ulrich Chomche, coincidentally all frontcourt players, bring to a Cameroonian team that already features a capable rim protector in Paul Eboua and the raw but immensely talented Amadou Seini?

Despite his misstep at the U19 FIBA World Cup, Seini has proven to be a force on both ends of the court—an offensive threat and a defensive anchor. So, where do Missi, Koloko, and Chomche fit into this equation, and how can their presence elevate Cameroon’s performance on the continental stage?

Christian Koloko (C)

Koloko is a true defensive anchor with excellent timing and length (7’1” wingspan). His presence alone deters opponents from driving to the rim, and he has not only shown that he’s a defensive anchor, his rim protection and elite shot-blocking ability have always been evident. He moves well for his size, allowing him to switch or drop in coverage effectively.

Clearly, the Los Angeles Lakers man will be Cameroon’s primary rim protector, ensuring the paint is locked down. His ability to defend in space will be crucial against smaller, quicker African guards. His rebounding and energy will also provide second chance opportunities.

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Yves Missi (PF/C)

Yves Missi in the past has shown that he is comfortable setting up as a power forward or center displaying great versatility. He is a high-flying big who thrives in transition and as a lob threat. Beyond his dynamism, he is quick enough to guard perimeter players, making him valuable in modern FIBA play and he brings great energy on the floor with his fast break dunks and plays.

The 21-year old showed his offensive prowess this season for the New Orleans Pelicans as he ranked among NBA players in offensive rebounds per game (minimum 65 appearances) at 3.5 per night this season while his defensive abilities were evident as he ranked among NBA players in blocks per game (minimum 65 appearances) at 1.3 per night. Among the 11 players ahead of Missi on that list, seven averaged more minutes.

Missi’s athleticism will be a nightmare for slower African bigs. He can play alongside Koloko in a twin-towers lineup or as a small-ball 5 in faster lineups. His defensive versatility allows Cameroon to experiment with switching schemes.

Ulrich Chomche (PF/C)

The least experienced of the trio, having been drafted into the NBA by the Toronto Raptors from the NBA Academy following two stints in the BAL as part of the BAL Elevate Program, Ulrich Chomche possesses some very admirable qualities.

His ball handling is good granting him the ability to initiate offense from the high post and make passes, which is a good trait for a big. Add to this mix his strong shot-blocking ability as well as his agility to guard multiple positions. He's able to stretch the floor, pass, and defend multiple positions, making him a matchup problem.

Collective Impact for Cameroon

Cameroon boasts one of AfroBasket’s most dominant defensive frontcourts, featuring Koloko’s rim protection, Missi’s versatility, and Chomche’s switchability, along with elite rebounding to control the boards. Their lineup flexibility allows twin-tower setups for interior dominance or small-ball configurations for speed and spacing, backed by NBA-level athleticism that most African teams can’t match.

Undoubtedly, this trio gives Cameroon a top-3 frontcourt in AfroBasket, alongside teams like Nigeria and Senegal. If the guards can provide steady playmaking, Cameroon could make a deep run and even contend for gold. Their defense and athleticism will be their biggest strengths, while their offensive development will determine how far they go.

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[Photography Courtesy of Toronto Raptors, LA Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans]