947 radio host and actress Thando Thabethe and SAFTA winner Linda Mtoba touched down in San Francisco, California this weekend. They immersed themselves in the glitz and glamour of the NBA All-Star Weekend 2025.
AFRICAN STARS AT THE NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND
Thando Thabethe is celebrated for her dynamic presence on radio and screen, while Mtoba is renowned for her acting prowess in Queendom, The River, and Isibaya.
They were joined by Nigerian actress Osas Ighodaro.
Together, these three incredible ladies brought African flair to the Bay Area, home of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the seven-time NBA champion Golden State Warriors.
The NBA All-Star Weekend is a flagship global event. It boasted a jam-packed schedule. The Ruffles Celebrity Game and Castrol Rising Stars Game kicked things off on Friday, according to ESPN.
THE THE NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND PROGRAM
Saturday night featured the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night. The Kia Skills Challenge, Starry 3-Point Contest, and AT&T Slam Dunk Contest will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The main event, the 74th NBA All-Star Game, will take centre stage on Sunday. A significant highlight for the African continent will be the annual NBA Africa All-Star Luncheon, according to Quick Read.
This event celebrates the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA community’s impact on the African continent. It’s a chance to recognise the growing influence of African basketball.
REPRESENTING AFRICA
“It’s an honour to represent South Africa at such a prestigious international event,” Thando Thabethe stated before jetting off.
“I’m excited to witness the electrifying atmosphere of the All-Star Weekend and celebrate the global appeal of basketball.”
Mtoba echoed this sentiment, adding, “I am so excited to be a part of the All-Star Weekend. I am looking forward to seeing all of the great basketball being played.”
Africa’s presence at this year’s NBA All-Star extends beyond the sidelines, according to The Playoffs.
BASKETBALL IN AFRICA
2024 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama (France/Democratic Republic of the Congo) and three-time NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam (Cameroon) also represented the continent in the All-Star Game.
Bilal Coulibaly (France/Mali), Yves Missi (Cameroon), Toumani Camara (Belgium/Mali), and Alex Sarr (France/Senegal) also showcased their talents in the Castrol Rising Stars Game.
South African basketball fans can also look forward to elite basketball action returning to home soil in June.
SOUTH AFRICAN BASKETBALL
The NBA and FIBA’s Basketball Africa League (BAL) will host its first BAL Playoffs and Finals in South Africa at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
This is a major coup for South African basketball. It provides a platform for local talent and further fuels the sport’s growth in the region.
GLOBAL SPORTS
As Thabethe, Mtoba, and Ighodaro immerse themselves in the NBA All-Star Weekend experience, they carry with them the pride and support of a nation.
Their presence in California shines a spotlight on South Africa’s growing influence in the global sports arena.
WHAT IMPACT DO YOU THINK EVENTS LIKE THE NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND HAVE ON THE GROWTH OF BASKETBALL IN AFRICA?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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