FC Barcelona may have just discovered the next big thing in basketball in Mohamed Dabone. Dabone stands at 6’9″ despite being just 12 years old, and his highlights recently took social media by storm.
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
— Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) December 10, 2023
NBA fans were stunned by just how good Dabone looked in these highlights.
One can’t quite believe how mobile Dabone is.
the mobility is insane lmaoo
— dope 🫨 (@dopeisalive) December 10, 2023
A fan wondered what these kids were being fed.
@PearsonSeamus what are they feeding these kids!!
— Ethanjohnson (@EthanJohnson613) December 10, 2023
One hilariously stated that Purdue will give Dabone a massive NIL deal.
https://twitter.com/ThisIsRobD/status/1734030940307882431
One fan marveled at just how skilled and coordinated Dabone is.
https://twitter.com/JonWils92557420/status/1734030938495963297
A Detroit Pistons fan is dreaming of Dabone being on their team in 2031.
There is no way that dude is 12 😂
#1 Pick to my Pistons in 2031(we’ll still be the worst team itl)
— Mikey (@JadenIveyProp) December 10, 2023
Dabone led the way as Barcelona won the FLL Tournament in Madrid recently. Despite it being a U-15 event, the 12-year-old won MVP as well, which is remarkable. One of his finer performances came in Barcelona’s 61-59 win over Real Madrid, as Dabone finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks. You can check out his highlights from the tournament below.
As one of the fans mentioned, it’s not just the height at that age that boggles your mind. His combination of size, skill, and mobility along with the fact that his movements are so coordinated is what makes him such a fascinating prospect.
It’s too early, of course, to say for sure that Dabone will be a star in the future. He’ll only be eligible for the NBA Draft in 2031 and a lot can happen in that time. There have been many incredible prospects in the past who never quite made it big at the pros for a variety of reasons.
Still, the upside is there for all to see, and if Dabone, who is from Burkina Faso, keeps his head down and works hard, he has a good chance of being a really special player.
Mahamadou Landoure Is Another Fascinating Prospect Playing In Spain
Barcelona’s eternal rivals Real Madrid have their own fascinating prospects as well. One who made waves earlier this year was Mahamadou Landoure. Landoure had 56 points and 33 rebounds in the final of the Endesa Mini Cup, a U-14 tournament, against Barcelona.
The then 13-year-old, who stood at 6’9″, was crowned MVP of a tournament where the likes of Luka Doncic had shone in the past. The Malian certainly left his mark as well and Landoure also helped Madrid win the No Borders Eurocup last month. He is certainly one to keep an eye on.
17-Year-Old 7’7″ Olivier Rioux Is Making Waves
While Dabone and Landoure are making a name for themselves in Europe, Olivier Rioux is doing so in North America. The 17-year-old Rioux stands at 7’7″ and his highlights recently went viral.
The big man represents Canada and in eight appearances for his nation, has averaged 8.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He has committed to the Florida Gators but still has some ways to go before he gets to the NBA, as he is just a three-star recruit.
Rioux isn’t quite as polished a prospect as Chet Holmgren or Victor Wembanyama were and a couple of years in college would help him tremendously. You do wonder, though, with Holmgren, Wembanyama, and the three prospects I mentioned, whether the league is just going to be filled with these giants 10 years down the road.
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