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Anyone who grows up playing a sport will eventually face off against an opponent who makes them wonder why they even bothered trying in the first place, and every kid who’s had to play against a 6’9″ 12-year-old named Mohamed Dabone has definitely asked themself that question.
Europe has produced plenty of talented basketball players over the years, but the continent has recently transformed into a bit of a hotbed thanks to the likes of Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Victor Wembamyama.
The last man on that list is already turning the NBA on its head at the age of 19 as he continues to hone his game. While there’s certainly still room for Wemby to improve, he’s done pretty well dealing with the pressures that come with being dubbed a generational prospect, which may have something to do with the fact that he’s already been in the international spotlight for a few years.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Mohamed Dabone, and while there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of the 12-year-old Burkina Faso native who currently plays for FC Barcelona’s development team, he’s worth keeping an eye on.
Over the weekend, Dabone’s highlight reel started making the rounds online, and you won’t have much trouble understanding why it went viral after getting to watch him dominate the kids who’ve been unfortunate enough to face off against him.
6’9 2011 Mohamed Dabone is as intriguing as they come
At just 12 years old he’s already more gifted then his peers, he’s a freak athlete with raw defensive instincts but the upside is clearly there. He’s also shown some flashes as a shooter
Scary high upside pic.twitter.com/Yeb7JzX9OU
— PDT (@PDTScouting) December 10, 2023
According to Fadeaway World, Dabone recently participated in a U15 tournament where he managed to earn Most Valuable Player honors thanks to his dominant performance.
Dabone won’t be eligible for the NBA Draft until 2031, and while a lot can happen between now and then, he certainly shows a ton of promise for someone who has time to grow (both figuratively and literally).
It’s a bit too early to call him the next Wemby, but based on how he’s looking right now, he’s certainly a viable candidate.