Mohamed Dabone is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young basketball prospects in the world, and for good reason. Born in Burkina Faso and now playing in Europe, Dabone stands at a staggering 6’11” with a wingspan reportedly exceeding 7’4”, all at just 13 years old.
Even more astonishing, reports suggest he was already 6’9” at the age of 12, meaning his growth and physical development have been off the charts.
His combination of size, athleticism, and skill has drawn comparisons to both Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo, two of the most unique superstars in NBA history. That’s an extraordinary statement for someone who, under normal circumstances, would just be entering high school.
13-year-old, 6’11” Mohamed Dabone is already being compared to a blend of Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo 😳
(🎥 @nbadraftpoint / h/t @BasketNews_com )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 13, 2025
What sets Dabone apart isn’t just his physical profile, though his length, coordination, and quickness for his age are virtually unprecedented. His game already shows a level of maturity well beyond his years. He moves with fluidity, gets into defensive rotations instinctively, makes sharp and timely cuts, and has a soft touch in the paint.
There’s also evidence of an emerging jumper, which, combined with his inside scoring ability, makes him an incredibly difficult matchup even for players several years older.
In fact, Dabone has already produced against elite competition, scoring 21 points in his Adidas Next Gen U18 debut at age 12 and earning Finals MVP honors in the U16 La Orotava tournament after a 31-point, 19-rebound performance. Those numbers are almost unheard of for a player that young at that level.
So young, so talented🔋
Just 13 years old and Mohamed Dabone already dominated in #NextGenEuroLeague this season with @FCBbasket 👀#adidasbasketball pic.twitter.com/O9JYhusemU
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) June 13, 2025
Scouts who focus on under-17 prospects have called him one of the best they’ve ever seen at that age group, with NBA Draft Room going as far as to say that if his listed birth year of 2011 is correct, he may be the most advanced 13-year-old prospect in basketball history.
However, that “if” has become a topic of debate. His official EuroLeague profile lists him as born on October 21, 2011, but his FIBA 3×3 profile lists him as 17 years old, though that site also incorrectly lists his nationality as Togo.
Given the longstanding skepticism toward the ages of African-born athletes, something Serge Ibaka has publicly addressed, the uncertainty has fueled speculation.
Dabone was born during a period of political instability in Burkina Faso, which adds another layer of doubt for some observers. And then there’s the eye test: most 13-year-olds are still growing into their bodies, awkward and unrefined, while Dabone moves with the polish and poise of a professional.
Still, even if Dabone were several years older than claimed, he’d remain a high-level prospect. But if the 2011 birthdate is accurate, he could be one of the most unique talents basketball has ever seen.
He’s currently on track to be eligible for the 2030 NBA Draft, meaning there’s a long road ahead before we find out just how high his ceiling goes.
For now, he’ll reportedly join Barcelona’s first team next season, where he’ll continue to develop against stronger and more experienced competition. Whether he turns out to be the next Wembanyama, the next Giannis, or something entirely his own, Mohamed Dabone is a name basketball fans will want to remember.
