Ulrich Chomche, a talented basketball player from Cameroon, has achieved a significant milestone in his career.
Representing NBA Academy Africa—an elite basketball training center in Saly, Senegal—Chomche was selected 57th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA Draft presented by State Farm.
This historic moment marks the first time an NBA Academy Africa prospect has been drafted directly to the NBA.
His selection also sets a precedent across all three of the league’s NBA Academies (located in Senegal, Mexico, and Australia).
Chomche’s journey includes participation in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), where he showcased his skills.
He joins a distinguished group of Cameroonian players who have made their mark in the NBA, including Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje, Luc Mbah a Moute, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Christian Koloko, and Yves Missi.
Notably, this draft also featured two players from Cameroon being selected—a first for the country.
Chomche’s basketball journey began when he joined NBA Academy Africa in 2019 at the age of 14. During his time at the academy, he competed in various high-profile international events, including NBA Academy exhibition games, the Tarkanian Classic, NBA Academy Games, and Basketball Without Borders (BWB) camps. Additionally, he represented Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and Cameroon’s Forces Armées et Police (FAP) in the BAL. His impressive performance caught the attention of scouts, leading to his historic draft selection.
Furthermore, Chomche proudly represented Cameroon’s national team in the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament and played for the World Team at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon.
Ulrich Chomche’s journey exemplifies the impact of NBA Academy Africa in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for young players across the continent. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring basketball stars in Africa and beyond.