Ivan Almeida and Other BAL Standouts Who Deserve a Summer League Shot

BAL stars shined in 2025, but 36-year-old Ivan Almeida stood out. A leader on and off the court, he proves age doesn't define value. He deserves a spot in NBA Summer League.
As the 2025 BAL season concluded, the spotlight on incredible African talent grew brighter. With the NBA Summer League set for July 10-20 in Las Vegas, several BAL athletes - rising stars and seasoned pros - have made a compelling case for inclusion:

* Jean Jacques Boissy (Al Ahli Tripoli): BAL champion, 2025 MVP, scoring and defensive leader: An elite two-way guard with poise and measurable upside.

* Babacar Sane (US Monastir): An explosive wing and former Ignite/G-League prospect, named AllBAL Second Team and reportedly headed to Summer League with Minnesota.

* Aliou Diarra (APR): Twotime Defensive Player of the Year, leagueleading rebounder and rim protector with a 55.7% FG rate - ready for higher-level competition.

* Majok Deng (Al Ittihad Alexandria): A stretch forward with modern versatility - shooting, defense, and clutch play - named to AllBAL First Team.

* Taefale Lenard Jr. (MBB): A dynamic, twoway wing already in AllBAL First and Defensive Teams - brings energy and athleticism.

* Mohamed Sadi (Al Ahli Tripoli): Twoway guard with composure and defensive acumen, earning AllBAL Second and Defensive Team honors.

But standing out most of all is Ivan Almeida, the Cape-Verdian athlete whose impact defies his age.

Why Almeida Belongs in Vegas

- Everpresent leader: At 36, he led not only in minutes per game (37.5) - the most in BAL this season - but also anchored Kriol Star on both ends of the floor, defensively and offensively.

- He is a statistical allrounder: Averaged 17.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, and led the league with 48 free throws made (81.4%). He even notched his first-career triple-double, while juggling four positions in a shorthanded roster.

- Almeida's leadership is inspiring: A cofounder, with his brother and teammate Joel, of Kriol Star - a team rooted in charity and community transformation. That mission-driven foundation underscores leadership beyond the court.

- Breaking conventional barriers: Summer League is traditionally a showcase for youth. Almeida's inclusion would send a bold message: performance, heart, and leadership remain valuable, no matter the age.

From Boissy's two-way dominance to Diarra's rim protection, and Lenard Jr.'s versatility, the BAL is packed with players deserving of NBA attention. But Almeida isn't just another athlete: He's a symbol of resilience, versatility, and purpose.

If the Summer League champions excellence and if it's meant to recognize both potential and performance, then inviting Ivan Almeida would be more than a reward. It would be a statement. Because basketball isn't just about where you're going. It's also about how far you've come and who you uplift along the way.

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