#basketball

Cape Verde's national soccer team returned home to a warm welcome after reaching the round of 32 in the World Cup, where they pushed Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, into extra time. Simultaneously, the men's basketball team secured a spot in the second round of World Cup qualifying. This celebration coincided with Cape Verde's Independence Day, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers are currently taking place, with Nigeria's D'Tigers achieving a strong start by winning their first three matches. This success enhances their chances of qualifying for the 2027 tournament in Doha, Qatar. The Iroegbu brothers have been instrumental in the team's performance during this qualifying window, according to Vanguard.

King Amakree Academy from Rivers State and Government Secondary School (GSS) Gboko from Benue State won their first national titles at the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals held in Lagos. The event took place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, featuring the four conference champions competing for the championship.

Antonelli has re-entered the title race following a victory in a recent sprint event. This win is significant as it marks a turning point in the competition, reminiscent of the saying in basketball that a playoff series truly begins when the home team loses a game at home, which has now occurred.

Twelve secondary schools, including Government Secondary School, Karu, and David Hall International College, Lagos, are set to compete in the 26th Milo National School Basketball Championship starting June 27th at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. The competition will feature participants from various states in Nigeria, with teams in the boys’ category including Father O’Connell Science College from Niger.

The NBA draft is set to resume on Wednesday night in New York, following the first round held on June 23, 2026. The event highlights the significance of second-round picks, with notable players like Jalen Brunson and Willis Reed having made their mark as such. As the Knicks prepare to make their selection, teams are hopeful of discovering talent that could lead to future success.

The Washington Wizards selected 19-year-old forward AJ Dybantsa as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters), Dybantsa was chosen after completing just one season of college basketball.

The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a significant challenge after trading away Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was instrumental in bringing the franchise its first championship in 50 years. Known as the most impactful player in team history, Antetokounmpo's departure leaves the Bucks needing to retool their roster ahead of the upcoming NBA draft, as they adjust to life without their star player.

Nairobi City Thunder, a leading basketball team in Kenya, has secured a KSh10 million sponsorship deal from I&M Bank. This funding comes just weeks before the team begins its playoff campaign, as they aim to expand their brand beyond Kenya, according to Tech-ish.