Al-Farouq Aminu to Play in Second NBA Africa Game

The Portland Trail Blazers announced Thursday that Al Farouq Aminu will suit up for Team Africa at the NBA Africa Game 2018.

The exhibition game will take place on August 4 in Pretoria, South Africa. Aminu, whose parents are from Nigeria, will join other NBA players with family ties to Africa. Their opponent will once again be Team World, whose roster will feature players from around the world. Many players have already committed to the game:

Team Africa will include Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon), Al-Farouq Aminu (Portland Trail Blazers; US/Nigeria), Bismack Biyombo (Orlando Magic; DRC), Cheick Diallo (New Orleans Pelicans; Mali), Evan Fournier (Magic; France/Algeria), Serge Ibaka (Toronto Raptors; Congo), Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (76ers; France/DRC), and Pascal Siakam (Raptors; Cameroon).

Team World will include DeMar DeRozan (Raptors; US), Harrison Barnes (Dallas Mavericks; US), Danilo Gallinari (LA Clippers; Italy), Rudy Gay (San Antonio Spurs; US), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks; US), and Hassan Whiteside (Miami Heat; US).

This will be the second time Aminu participates in the event, having played in the inaugural NBA Africa Game in 2015. Other current and former Trail Blazers who have played in an NBA Africa Game include C.J. McCollum (Team World, 2017), Evan Turner (Celtics, Team World, 2015), and Nicolas Batum (Hornets, Team Africa, 2015).

The game, which will take place following the 16th edition of Basketball Without Borders will benefit the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

“We are deeply honored to be a part of the centennial celebration of president Mandela’s birthday. Our third NBA Africa Game and 16th Basketball Without Borders Africa camp will embody one of the most enduring parts of his legacy, which is the belief that sports have the power to inspire and change the world,” stated NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Team Africa will be looking for their first victory after losing to Team World in their previous two contests in 2015 and 2017.