Orlando Magic shooting guard Desmond Bane has expressed strong interest in representing Nigeria’s national basketball team, potentially transforming D’Tigers’ Olympic prospects for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Despite being officially listed as American by the NBA, Bane confirmed his Nigerian heritage and revealed ongoing discussions with fellow NBA players of Nigerian descent about forming a competitive national squad.
The 27-year-old athlete specifically mentioned recruiting conversations with Indiana Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith and Los Angeles Lakers’ Gabe Vincent, while noting that Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie already represents Nigeria internationally. Additional Nigerian-heritage players in the league include Sacramento Kings’ Precious Achiuwa and Philadelphia 76ers’ Adem Bona, creating a substantial talent pool for potential national team selection.
Nigeria’s basketball program faces significant challenges despite previous Olympic appearances in 2012, 2016, and 2020. Currently ranked 50th globally by FIBA and seventh in Africa, the team missed qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their path to the 2028 Games involves either exceptional performance at the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar or success in a separate African Olympic qualification tournament featuring six nations.
The development coincides with the NBA’s continued global expansion, evidenced by recent Global Games in Berlin and London. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussed potential European league development during the Berlin events, building on the established Basketball Africa League that launched in 2021 with NBA support. Bane praised basketball’s growing international talent pool, noting the sport’s increasing global reach and the emergence of skilled players from diverse backgrounds.