Mouhamed “Momo” Faye: Senegal’s Rising Star and Top Prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft
Senegal’s Mouhamed “Momo” Faye has captured the attention of the global basketball community with his impressive performances in Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the Basketball Champions League (BCL). At just 19 years old, Faye’s dynamic playstyle and potential have drawn the eyes of NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets.
Recently, two Lakers scouts witnessed Faye’s breakout performance for Pallacanestro Reggiana in a game against Bertram Derthona Tortona. Faye dominated the court with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks, demonstrating his elite skills on both offense and defense. Representing a prestigious club in both the LBA and BCL, Faye has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents to watch.
Last season, Faye’s decision to delay entering the 2024 NBA Draft after several NBA tryouts is now paying off. With projections placing him late in the first round or early in the second round of the 2025 Draft, his stock continues to rise. His journey began in Senegal, where he gained international recognition during the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship, averaging 18 points and 13 rebounds per game. Known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and athleticism, Faye is part of a new wave of elite African big men following in the footsteps of stars like Yves Missi, Ulrich Chomche, and Adama Sanogo.
Standing at 6’10” with a 7’5” wingspan, Faye possesses the physical attributes and defensive instincts to impact the NBA. While he’s still developing his outside shooting, his presence in the paint as a scorer and shot-blocker makes him a formidable talent. His Basketball Champions League debut further solidified his status as one to watch, with a record-setting performance of 15 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks—the youngest player to achieve such stats in the league.
As Senegal’s basketball program continues to gain prominence, Faye’s role in their international aspirations is critical. However, speculation remains about whether he will stay committed to Senegal or explore opportunities with Italy for his international career. With the 2025 Afrobasket qualifiers approaching, Faye could be a game-changer for Senegal as they face strong competition from the likes of South Sudan, Cameroon, Egypt, and Angola.
As the countdown to the 2025 NBA Draft continues, Mouhamed “Momo” Faye represents the perfect blend of size, youth, and potential. With NBA scouts closely monitoring his progress and fans eager to see what he will achieve next, the future is undeniably bright for this young Senegalese star.