Mohamed Dabone, a 6'10" 12 year old from France, just might be the most dominant pre-teen who has ever picked up a basketball. With his size and skill, he is being referred to as Giannis Antetokounmpo 2.0, and when you watch his highlights you will see why. Undoubtedly, Dabone is already on NBA scouts' radar as the next big exciting international player to watch out for.
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Just in 12 minutes of playing time for FC Barcelona, Dabone scored 21 points (9/12 FG) in the Euroleague's Adidas Next Generation U18 tournament.
12 Year Old 6’10 center Mohamed Dabone was unstoppable today 21 points 6 rebounds (9/12 FG) in only 12min for @FCBbasket in @euroleague ANGT u18 Tournament 🔥 (via @euroleague ) pic.twitter.com/ipVAnF5q0i
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) May 23, 2024
In addition, earlier this year, the young kid from France played in the 2024 Spanish Basketball Mini Cup (MinicopaEndesa) U-14 Final, as he put up 22 points, 26 rebounds, along with six blocks and five steals in the championship, which earned him the MVP award. Other notable players who competed in this tournament include Ricky Rubio, Luka Doncic (previous Minicopa MVP winner), and Victor Wembanyama.
Dabone won't turn 13 until the end of this year on October 21. With this in mind, NBA fans will need to be patient for six more years, as you have to be 18 (turning 19 same calendar year) to enter the draft.
After NBA fans were able to witness fellow Frenchman, 2023 first overall pick, Wembanyama this past season, there is certainly much anticipation to find the world's next biggest up-and-coming star. That is to say, many will have a reason to look forward to the 2030 NBA draft class, which Dabone is already projected to be a top pick in.
Some people have asked to see Dabone's birth certificate, since they simply don't believe how a 12-year-old can be so developed as a basketball player at such a young age.
Related: How Padres 17-Year-Old Phenom Ethan Salas Could Become One Of MLB's Youngest Rookies Ever
