Abidjan, July 18, 2025  – American-Ivorian basketball star Mohamed Bamba, known as Mo Bamba, officially announced on Thursday, July 17, 2025, his commitment to join the Ivorian national basketball team for the upcoming 2025 AfroBasket tournament, set to take place in Angola.

Highly anticipated by Ivorian sports fans, Mo Bamba expressed his honor and excitement at finally wearing the national colors. “This is something I’ve wanted to do for years. This time, if everything goes well, I will be at AfroBasket to represent my country,” declared the NBA superstar during a courtesy visit to the United States Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba.

Proud of his Ivorian roots, Mo Bamba also emphasized his strong connection to Côte d’Ivoire despite his international career. “Wherever I go, whether it’s in the United States, Morocco, or Europe, I represent Côte d’Ivoire first,” said the 2.13-meter-tall center, who currently plays in the North American NBA league.

Ambassador Davis Ba praised Bamba’s decision to join the Ivorian national team. “Mo Bamba represents the strong bond between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire. He is a source of inspiration for the youth in both countries,” said the diplomat.

His announced participation is seen as a major boost for the Elephants basketball team, who aim to shine in the continental competition scheduled for August in Angola. While the Ivorian Basketball Federation (FIBB) has not yet issued an official statement, Bamba’s announcement is already sparking excitement and hope in the Ivorian sports community.