In this episode of African Voices Playmakers, CNN’s Larry Madowo spotlights standout athletes including Mali’s Sira Thienou, Congo’s L’or Mputu and Egypt’s Jana Sallman — all navigating sacrifice, culture shifts and competition at the highest level of college basketball. | CNN

African players shine in NCAA women’s basketball, inspiring the next generation

Lauren Lee

Larry Madowo

By Lauren Lee, Larry Madowo, Lamide Akintobi and Alima Williams, CNN

Updated 8:56 AM EDT, Sat March 21, 2026

University of South Florida basketball player L'or Mputu.

African players shine in NCAA women’s basketball, inspiring the next generation

In this episode of African Voices Playmakers, CNN’s Larry Madowo spotlights standout athletes, including Mali’s Sira Thienou, Congo’s L’or Mputu, and Egypt’s Jana Sallman — all navigating sacrifice, culture shifts, and competition at the highest level of college basketball.

23:06 • Source: CNN

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University of South Florida basketball player L'or Mputu.

African players shine in NCAA women’s basketball, inspiring the next generation

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