Pan African Visions

NBA Taps Cameroonian Coaches Enyegue and Samnick for 2024 Summer League

July 12, 2024

Six teams that took part in the 2024 BAL season will have at least one coach participating – Al Ahly (Egypt), Bangui Sporting Club (Central Africa Republic) City Oilers (Uganda), FUS de Rabat (Morocco), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), and US Monastir (Tunisia)

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

Francois Enyegue (Cameroon, Orlando Magic) returns to the Summer League for a third consecutive year

BUEA, Cameroon – In a groundbreaking development for Cameroonian basketball, coaches Francois Enyegue and Victor Samnick will join the coaching staff of NBA franchises at the 2024 NBA Summer League. This prestigious event, set to tip off on July 12 in Las Vegas, USA, is a significant platform for emerging talent and coaching prowess.

Enyegue and Samnick's participation marks a historic moment for Cameroon’s basketball community. Francois Enyegue (Cameroon, Orlando Magic) returns to the Summer League for a third consecutive year. Last year, he coached with the Milwaukee Bucks. Enyegue is currently the head coach of Forces Armées et Police Basketball (FAP Yaounde) and served as head coach of Team Africa & Middle East Girls at the Jr. NBA Global Championship in 2018.

Francois Enyegue and Victor Samnick are no strangers to the basketball scene. Enyegue, known for his strategic understanding and ability to develop young talent, has been a pivotal figure in Cameroon's basketball coaching ranks. With years of experience coaching at the national level, Enyegue has been instrumental in elevating the standard of play and nurturing future stars of Cameroonian basketball.

Samnick, a former professional player with a storied career in Europe, transitioned into coaching with a wealth of on-court experience and tactical knowledge. His journey from player to coach has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the game. Samnick's professional career spans 17 years, 14 of which were spent at French top-tier sides in ASVEL, Nancy and Paris.

Twenty-five basketball coaches from 15 African countries have been selected to participate in the NBA 2K25 Summer League, which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 12 -22, 2024.

The selected coaches form part of the Africa Coaches Program, which builds on NBA Africa's and Basketball Africa League's (BAL) commitment to building the capacity and expertise of coaches from across the continent, improving the quality of the on-court product, and contributing to the continued growth of basketball on the continent. Eight of the coaches represent teams that have participated in the BAL.

The NBA Summer League is renowned for showcasing promising players and offering a proving ground for coaches looking to make their mark. Enyegue and Samnick’s inclusion in the coaching staff of NBA franchises underscores the growing recognition of their skills and the potential for African coaches on the global stage.

Cameroon's Samnick had a 17 year professional career, 14 of these were spent at French top-tier sides in ASVEL, Nancy and Paris

The participation of Enyegue and Samnick in the NBA Summer League is more than a personal achievement; it is an inspiration for aspiring coaches and players across Cameroon and Africa. Their journey highlights the importance of dedication, continuous learning, and the impact of global opportunities on local sports development.

Below is the complete list of African coaches participating in the NBA 2K24 Summer League and the NBA team's coaching staff they have joined.

Mohamed Lamine Kriedeche, Algeria, New Orleans Pelicans

Stef Pare, Burkina Faso, Orlando Magic

Francois Enyengue Cameroon San Antonio Spurs

Victor Samnick, Cameroon, Denver Nuggets

Pierrot Ilunga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Toronto Raptors

Emmanuel Mavomo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Milwaukee Bucks

Ahmed Elgarhi, Egypt, Minnesota Timberwolves

Alia Mahmoud, Egypt, Washington Wizards

Ruth Bibeyi, Gabon, Los Angeles Lakers

Ahmed Salam, Morocco, Atlanta Hawks

John Wilkins, Morocco, Phoenix Suns