Ivan Almeida and Other BAL Standouts Who Deserve a Summer League Shot
BAL stars shined in 2025, but 36-year-old Ivan Almeida stood out. A leader on and off the court, he proves age doesn't define value. He deserves a spot in NBA Summer League.
As the 2025 BAL season concluded, the spotlight on incredible African talent grew brighter. With the NBA Summer League set for July 10–20 in Las Vegas, several BAL athletes — rising stars and seasoned pros — have made a compelling case for inclusion:
Jean Jacques Boissy (Al Ahli Tripoli): BAL champion, 2025 MVP, scoring and defensive leader: An elite two-way guard with poise and measurable upside.
Babacar Sané (US Monastir): An explosive wing and former Ignite/G-League prospect, named All‑BAL Second Team and reportedly headed to Summer League with Minnesota.
Aliou Diarra (APR): Two‑time Defensive Player of the Year, league‑leading rebounder and rim protector with a 55.7% FG rate — ready for higher-level competition.
Majok Deng (Al Ittihad Alexandria): A stretch forward with modern versatility — shooting, defense, and clutch play — named to All‑BAL First Team.
Taefale Lenard Jr. (MBB): A dynamic, two‑way wing already in All‑BAL First and Defensive Teams — brings energy and athleticism.
Mohamed Sadi (Al Ahli Tripoli): Two‑way guard with composure and defensive acumen, earning All‑BAL Second and Defensive Team honors.
But standing out most of all is Ivan Almeida, the Cape-Verdian athlete whose impact defies his age.
Why Almeida Belongs in Vegas
• Ever‑present leader: At 36, he led not only in minutes per game (37.5) — the most in BAL this season — but also anchored Kriol Star on both ends of the floor, defensively and offensively.
• He is a statistical all‑rounder: Averaged 17.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, and led the league with 48 free throws made (81.4%). He even notched his first-career triple-double, while juggling four positions in a short‑handed roster.
• Almeida's leadership is inspiring: A co‑founder, with his brother and teammate Joel, of Kriol Star — a team rooted in charity and community transformation. That mission-driven foundation underscores leadership beyond the court.
• Breaking conventional barriers: Summer League is traditionally a showcase for youth. Almeida's inclusion would send a bold message: performance, heart, and leadership remain valuable, no matter the age.
From Boissy's two-way dominance to Diarra's rim protection, and Lenard Jr.'s versatility, the BAL is packed with players deserving of NBA attention. But Almeida isn't just another athlete: He's a symbol of resilience, versatility, and purpose.
If the Summer League champions excellence and if it's meant to recognize both potential and performance, then inviting Ivan Almeida would be more than a reward. It would be a statement. Because basketball isn't just about where you're going. It's also about how far you've come and who you uplift along the way.
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