Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha was named one of the team captains for the 2017 NBA Africa Game, the NBA and NBPA announced on Monday.
Sefolosha is from Switzerland, but his father was born in South Africa.
Sefolosha will be joined by Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki, Charlotte Hornets’ Kemba Walker and Los Angeles LAkers Luol Deng as captains for the Aug. 5 game in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“Having South African roots, it’s a dream come true to return to South Africa to play in an NBA game,” Sefolosha said. “There are so many talented African players in the league, and it will be an honor to lead them on August 5 in Johannesburg.”
The NBA and NBPA previously announced Orlando Magic’s Bismack Biyombo and Denver Nuggets’ Emmanuel Mudiay will play for Team Africa and Portland Trail Blazers’ CJ McCollum will play for team world. Rosters for both teams and coaches will be announced at a later date.
Following in the footsteps of the first NBA Africa Game in Aug. 2015, this year’s game will benefit UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and SOS Children’s Villages South Africa.
The Aug. 5 game will be held at Johannesburg’s Ticketpro Dome and tickets are available online beginning on Thursday. The event will also be streamed on the Internet and mobile platforms.
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