9781422271544

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Awesome in Africa The NBA is all in on growing the game globally, leaning on its marquee players to help make it happen. In 2018, Embiid was a beloved figure—as well as the star performer—at the third edition of the NBA Africa Game at Sun Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. The game featured Team Africa (players born in Africa or with direct family connections to the continent, including Luol Deng, Serge Ibaka, and Pascal Siakam) against Team World (a diverse cast of NBA players including Khris Middleton, Rudy Gay, and Harrison Barnes). Embiid put on a show, scoring a game-high 24 points while snagging eight rebounds and distributing four assists, but it wasn’t enough to produce a victory, and Team World prevailed 96–92. Despite the loss, it was a memorable trip for Embiid, who savored the opportunity to interact with fans, inspire young players, and reflect on his journey that began with being discovered at a basketball camp in Africa.

Embiid scored a game-high 24 points during the NBA Africa game in 2018.

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HARDWOOD GREATS: PRO BASKETBALL’S BEST PLAYERS