Viewer's Guide to NBA Africa Game
For the first time in league history, the NBA will play a game on African soil Saturday when Team World squares off against Team Africa in an exhibition contest in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In conjunction with Basketball Without Borders Africa, the two star-studded sides will compete to support several groups, including Boys & Girls Clubs of South Africa, SOS Children's Villages Association of South Africa and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, according the official NBA press release.
Team World captain Chris Paul posted a video on Instagram providing a brief description of the event:
Before breaking down the two sides participating in Saturday's exhibition, here's a look at all the viewing information you need prior to tipoff.
Date: Saturday, August 1
Time: 9 a.m. ET
Location: Ellis Park Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Team Africa
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Team Africa's coaching staff will be led by San Antonio Spurs boss Gregg Popovich, and his sidekicks will be reigning NBA Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer and Oklahoma City Thunder assistant Monty Williams.
The squad's complete roster can be viewed below:
Miami Heat swingman and South Sudan native Luol Deng will serve as the captain for Team Africa, and he's thrilled about the opportunity.
"I am extremely proud to be a part of the NBA's first game in Africa," Deng said in the NBA press release. "Coming from South Sudan and having participated in the Basketball without Borders Africa camps in Johannesburg previously, I am truly honored to be part of this historic event."
Bleacher Report's Ethan Skolnick explained the significance of Saturday's event to Deng, who has emerged as the NBA's most prominent African ambassador:
It's safe to suggest that Saturday represents his career highlight, a validation of so many of his efforts, and a precursor for so many to come. Deng's team consists of 10 players who were born, or one of their parents was born, in one of six different African countries.
While Team Africa's roster is a bit unorthodox in that it doesn't feature many true guards, the composition of the team should make for an entertaining exhibition.
Beyond Deng, keep an eye on Milwaukee Bucks swingman Giannis Antetokounmpo and San Antonio Spurs forward Boris Diaw. Both players are capable of playing point forward roles, and their versatility could serve as a tremendous asset to a team devoid of a true ball-handler.
Brooklyn Nets head coach Lionel Hollins will take the reins for Team World, and Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens will operate as his primary assistant.
The roster, which is headlined by NBPA president, team captain and Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul, can be viewed below:
Bradley Beal and Jeff Green should be able to do some damage on the perimeter, but Team World's frontcourt could be a force. With Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Nikola Vucevic and the always-bouncy Kenneth Faried locked in, Paul could have a field day running pick-and-rolls with mid-range savants, alley-oop partners and low-post mavens.
"When I heard about the NBA Africa Game I jumped at the chance to participate," Pau Gasol said, according to the NBA's press release. "The continent of Africa has a special meaning for me through my foundation. I look forward to putting on a great show for the fans and taking part in activities in the local community."
The Johannesburg crowd will be cheering hard for Team Africa, but Team World has a lineup replete with All-Stars that could steal the show.
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